Kendrsapara: In a bid to attract tourists to Bhitarakanika, the second largest mangrove ecosystem of the country, the state tourism department for the first time will organise Eco Retreat festival at Bhitarkanika National Park from December 1 to February 28.
A meeting to review preparedness for the festival was held in collectorate Friday.
The three-month festival will be held on the banks of Baitarani river at Nalitiapatia village, six km from the park. Kendrapara Collector Samarth Verma said as many as 15 luxury tents will be erected for tourists with water and electricity supply as well as parking facility. Cultural programmes, food festival, trekking in the forest and visit to nearby Pentha beach will be part of the festival.
The tourism department will soon start online booking of tents which will be set up at a place adjacent to the lush green mangrove forests with primates.
A photo exhibition and screening of films on Bhitarkanika and its wildlife will also be organised during the festival. Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary within Bhitarkanika is the world’s largest rookery of Olive Ridley turtles. In an effort to attract more tourists, the authorities have built cottages at Habelikothi, Gupti and Danagamal.
Divisional forest officer Bikash Ranjan Dash said, “Bhitarkanika is a Ramsar site and home to a great variety of wildlife including spotted deer, saltwater crocodiles, water monitors, pythons and Sambars. It also houses a large number of migratory birds in winter. We selected Nalitapatia village for the festival so as not to disturb the wildlife in the park.”
Dash added, “We are also giving emphasis on sustainable tourism to generate employment for locals. The festival will boost the income of local people.”
PNN
