Rayagada District Administration in its letter to all tour operators has said that after
careful consideration of the ground situation it has decided to partially lift the
restrictions on visit of tourists (Indian and foreign nationals) in
the Particularly Vulnerable tribal groups (P.V.T.G.) areas by allowing visitors to visit the Chatikona Haat
near Bissamcuttack Railway Station. The area of visit has been
demarcated from the D.K.D.A. Office to the first level crossing near
Bissamcuttack railway station and 50 meters on either side from the
median of the road.
In
no case, the tourists both foreign and Indian nationals will move
beyond the level crossing, Collector Rayagada in his letter has said.
MAP BELOW SHOWING THE AREAS ALLOWED FOR VISIT OF TOURISTS
MAP BELOW SHOWING THE AREAS ALLOWED FOR VISIT OF TOURISTS
The district administration however,continues the provision making it mandatory for all foreign nationals to report before the Judicial Section of Collectorate, Rayagada immediately upon the arrival in Rayagada and give the details of duration and purpose of their visit, irrespective of whether they are visiting the PVTG areas or otherwise. Photography continues to be banned in the PVTG areas.
This move from the district administration is likely to be a relief to the already crumbling tourism industry in Odisha. Collector Rayagada said that, though the district administration has allowed the movement of foreign and Indian nationals to the PVTG areas, the tourists are required to exercise utmost restraint while dealing with the members of the PVTG communities. He also said that it is by the very nature of things derogatory and demeaning to commodify the tribal individuals and to look to the tribal communities as museum pieces. While trying ot observe their culture, the tourists should respect their way of life. Also he said that the district has tremendous potential for eco tourism, with beautiful forest cover and landscapes and also for adventure tourism as there are number of hilly cliffs, rapids and valleys in this district. The tour operators should try to look at this aspect also, instead of just ethno tourism, he said.