Clay rest houses at Barehipani in STR to attract tourists

BHUBANESWAR: The wildlife wing of the forest department plans to set up clay rest houses for tourists at Barehipani eco-tourism site to attract more tourists to Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR).

Barehipani is known for its scenic waterfall.

The plan of the wildlife wing of the forest department is to develop eco-tourism without disturbing the animals and the eco-system of the reserve.

"We chose to have clay rest houses made so that resources for the construction can be generated from local sources. Concrete structures cannot be built at Barehipani because it is close to the core area of the reserve as we materials for building them would have to be brought from outside. Transportation of materials, digging earth and erecting pillars will cause a lot of noise, which is likely to upset the wild animals," said STR deputy director Ajit Satapathy.

He added that materials required for the clay houses can be generated from the forest and locals from nearby villages can be engaged in the construction so that they can also benefit from the project.

"We have sent a proposal to the Centre to release funds for the project," said Satapathy. He added that thatched roofs and clay walls would keep the rest houses cool.

The clay eco-cottages will be located near the waterfall, which is about five km from an eatery that is being run by the local villagers.

The villagers serve a variety of food items that have a distinct local flavour to tourists at the eatery.

"When tourists have lunch at the eatery and go to the waterfall, they don't have any place to rest. Long ago, we had built a concrete watch tower, where tourists could rest. After the clay cottages come up there, we may have to increase the tariff of the tourist packages to the reserve," said the senior forest officer.

In another initiative, the STR authorities have asked divisional forest officers to explore more sites that are two km away from the core area so that these may be developed into eco-tourism hubs.

Source : Times Of India

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