Kumar Bahukhandi
The village, full of natural beauty, cultural diversity and traditional lifestyle, is now also moving towards self-reliance through solar energy with the initiatives of CM Vishnu Deo Sai-Photo Credit-CG/PR
In Short
*Bastar’s Dhudmaras village becomes a world-class tourist destination
*Solar energy projects implemented in the village on the initiative of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
Raipur: Dhudmaras, a small tribal village under Kanger Valley National Park in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh state, has made its own identity on the world stage today. This village, included in the 20 best tourist villages in the world by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, has now emerged as a model of environmental conservation and sustainable development.
This village, full of natural beauty, cultural diversity and traditional lifestyle, is now also moving towards self-reliance through solar energy. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, continuous work is being done to promote eco-friendly tourism in the Bastar region as well as to develop local facilities.
Clean drinking water, night lighting and electricity supply to educational institutions have been ensured by CREDA by effectively implementing various solar energy based projects in Dhudmaras village.
Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA), has ensured the availability of pure drinking water by installing 03 solar dual pumps in the village-Photo Credit-CG/PR
Through Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA), the availability of pure drinking water has been ensured by installing 03 solar dual pumps in the village. Arrangement of night lighting has been made by installing 02 solar high mast lighting systems. Solar power street lights have been installed in the streets of the village. Solar energy based power supply has been ensured in primary and secondary schools. CREDA Chairman Bhupendra Savnani and Chief Executive Officer Rajesh Rana continuously monitored the projects and got the works completed in a quality manner.
The village lighted up with solar energy system -Photo Credit -CG/PR
Dhudmaras village and Chitrakot village of Bastar district have been awarded as the best villages on the occasion of World Tourism Day by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Naturally rich Dhudmaras village, picturesque stream of Kanger river, greenery, biodiversity and traditional Bastariya culture attract tourists.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the state government is developing the facilities of trekking trail, camping site and home-stay. Traditional handicrafts are being linked to the market by encouraging local craftsmen and artists. Road and transport facilities are being strengthened.
Adventure activities like kayaking and bamboo rafting in the Kanger river are being conducted by the Eco-Tourism Development Committee in Dhudmaras village, which is providing livelihood opportunities to the youth at the local level. Basic facilities like waiting rooms, bathrooms for tourists are also being developed at the village level. The Forest and Tourism Department of the state government is doing planned work towards developing Dhudmaras as an eco-tourism destination.
On the same lines, eco-tourism is also being promoted in villages like Nagalsar and Netanar.
The success of Dhudmaras is a proof that if the government’s schemes are implemented with community participation, then economic, social and cultural development is possible even in rural areas. This village has now become an inspiration for the entire Bastar region.
