Go Boating From Oct in Mahanadi Gorge

BHUBANESWAR: Come October, tourists will be able to go boating in the Mahanadi gorge.

The Satkosia Tiger Reserve authorities have decided to start the facility with a two-pronged aim — to woo tourists as well as provide employment to fishermen who have been deprived of an income after a ban was imposed on fishing in the gorge.

Boating was not a part of eco-tourism in Satkosia as a restriction had been imposed on it to maintain the serenity of the gorge, which is home to the endangered muggers and gharials. But recently, the Satkosia authorities sent a proposal to the government to introduce boating to help fishermen, who have been debarred from fishing, to eke out a living out of their engagement in boating service.

The Satkosia authorities are already in possession of a power boat that may be used for the purpose. The boat can accommodate 25 people.

"We will have to obtain a licence for running of the power boat. We will also have to seek driving licences for the drivers and assistants. Through the boat service, we will be able to engage fishermen who have been complaining that their earnings have been hit after the ban on fishing. Secondly, many tourists come here hoping to go boating in the gorge," said Satkosia field director Anup Nayak.

The Mahanadi gorge is 22-km long but it has core and buffer areas demarcated. "We will take tourists in boat in a limited area in the buffer zone. According to plan, we can have a minimum 500 metres and maximum 2.5 km boat journey in the gorge. We will charge a fee for it. Whatever revenue we generate from the boating we will use for maintenance and salaries for the fishermen engaged as guides and assistants. We will also set aside some funds for Satkosia Tiger Reserve Foundation," added Nayak.

In July, the reserve authorities launched a plantation drive of fruit bearing trees on the lands of fishermen to provide them with an alternative livelihood source. Two species of mango and cashew were provided to 27 fishermen, who have agricultural land. The fishermen were given training in digging pits, planting and subsequent maintenance. After three years, the fishermen can earn about Rs 60,000 a year by selling the fruits, authorities said.

Nayak said the fishermen who are landless would be engaged in boating and entertaining the tourists.

Source: Hotels in Bhubaneswar