One among the 25 sites identified by the State government to promote eco-tourism, the tranquil Kutladampatti is all set to get a fillip with the District Forest Department commencing work to make it an eco-tourism hotspot.
Funds to the tune of Rs.51 lakh have been allotted for eco-tourism development, and a meeting was held by officials of the Forest Department and members of Eco-Tourism Development Committee (EDC) of Kutladampatti to discuss the development of the spot.
The EDC comprises a general body which will have locals who live in and around Kutladampatti and an executive body consisting of officials from the Forest Department.
Speaking about the proposed development in the area, District Forest Officer (DFO) Nihar Ranjan said that the department would be engaged in training members of the local community in contributing and sustaining eco-tourism initiatives there.
“Following the model of eco-tourism which seeks to develop and maintain a place as a tourism destination while involving the local community, we will be engaging the locals as guides, cooks and facilitators for the tourists who visit the place. They will be paid by the EDC from the money earned through eco-tourism,” he explained.
“While the local community will be trained over the next few months to facilitate eco-tourism, the department will simultaneously concentrate on the development of infrastructure facilities in the area to help trekking activities,” Mr. Nihar Ranjan added.
An interpretation centre, eco-huts, trekking sheds, camping equipment, toilets, watchtowers and car parking facilities have been proposed.
Apart from the funds allotted to develop the area into an eco-tourism hotspot, an additional fund of Rs.30 lakh is expected to be sanctioned for the development of tourism activities around the famous Kutladampatti falls.
