BHUBANESWAR: The state government is set to introduce adventure tourism near eco-tourism sites and forests in different protected areas to boost visitor engagement, provide financial support to the local community and promote sustainable tourism activities.
Participating in the first Chandaka Green Marathon organised on Sunday as part of the celebration marking the 72nd Wildlife Week, PCCF (Wildlife) Prem Kumar Jha said the site identification process in this regard has started. In the initial phase, Chandaka-Dampara wildlife sanctuary, Similipal tiger reserve and Deomali hills have been identified for the purpose, he said.
He said activities such as wall climbing, canopy walk and rowing have been introduced in Chandaka wildlife sanctuary, while similar initiatives will also be taken in phases in other protected areas of the state having nature camps. “Activities like canopy walk, camping and water sports will help diversify sustainable tourism offerings in the eco-tourism sites of the state,” Jha noted.
The PCCF wildlife also highlighted the importance of creating greater awareness about wildlife conservation and familiarising visitors with the initiatives being undertaken for the protection and management of state’s wildlife and their habitats.
Themed ‘Connecting Habitats, Thriving Wildlife’, the marathon featured 5 km, 10 km and 21 km categories. Special emphasis was placed on responsible conduct while running through the forest landscape.
Participants were also advised to remain on designated routes, avoid littering, maintain silence within forest stretches, refrain from disturbing wildlife and vegetation and follow the instructions of forest officials and race marshals, as part of the sensitisation efforts.
A media exposure visit was also organised by the wildlife authorities at Chandaka. Chandaka DFO Binod Acharya said the main purpose of the programme was to provide media representatives an opportunity to gain first-hand insights into the state’s wildlife conservation initiatives.
