ANGUL: Baliput ecotourism camp on Mahanadi river bank and inside the tiger reserve which was opened for tourists earlier this month has been attracting visitors in large number.
It was opened from December 16 with 10 tents at the facility.
Earlier, a picnic spot, the site has been developed into an ecotourism camp to facilitate stay and boating for the tourists, said Regional Chief Conservators of Forests Anup Nayak.
Nayak said, each tent can accommodate two persons and the entire facility is managed by locals, mostly fishermen who have been banned from fishing in the core area of the river. The funds collected from the tourism go to Satkosia sanctuary and eco-development committee besides those who manage the tents, he added.
“Boating, which is most alluring in winter, in Mahanadi river is a major attraction among the tourists. Each person is charged `150 for a ride and there are two motorboats which can ferry eight tourists each at a time. One can approach the spot from Cuttack via Narasinghpur,” he added.
The infiltration of Maoists into Satkosia in September had put a question mark on the operation of these camps as it was feared that tourists may not visit the areas out of fear. But, the inflow of tourists proved the fear wrong, claimed Satkosia wildlife sanctuary officials.
Satkosia wildlife authorities started nature camps in 2004 to promote ecotourism in the sanctuary. Since then the camps have been running successively with visitors from far and wide preferring the camps for their tranquility. Besides, these camps have provided a permanent source of earning for the locals and jobless youths of the area.
Baliput is an addition to the four ecotourism camps operational in the area. Those are located at Tikarapara on the river bank, Chhutkei, Tarava and Purunakote.