Former NITI Aayog CEO Kant praises Debrigarh as model for community-led ecotourism
SAMBALPUR: Former NITI Aayog CEO and India's G-20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant visited the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary here on Wednesday and lauded its ecotourism model as the best in the country.
Kant engaged with community members involved in the ecotourism initiative and praised the grassroots-driven model that has transformed the lives of over 85 forest-dependent families, who are actively involved in activities such as jungle safaris, Hirakud cruise, trekking, kayaking and storytelling sessions on wildlife.
Notably, each community member earns between Rs 13,000 and Rs 15,000 per month and 40 per cent of the workforce comprises women including female safari drivers and eco-guides. The sanctuary boasts of 20 tourist cottages, including six stargazing rooms with glass roofs, offering a unique overnight experience in nature.
'The DFO has done a commendable job in Debrigarh. I have seen almost every eco-tourism project in India, but the best one has been implemented here. The participation of the local community is the most impressive initiative. Considering the infrastructure development taking place in this area, it is necessary to increase the green cover here. If the efforts continue in this direction, Sambalpur can become the greenest district of India,' Kant said after the visit.
He also shared his appreciation of Debrigarh's ecotourism initiative on social media platform X. 'I visited the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha today and was delighted to see the wonderful work done in terms of community participation. This is by far the best example of local community operating and managing the entire Ecotourism project. The credit goes entirely to a young lady Forest Service officer Anshu Pragyan Das for driving this. Amazing work!' he said in his post.
Kant was accompanied by RDC (Northern Division) Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Sambalpur collector Siddheswar Baliram Bondar, Bargarh collector Aditya Goyal, SP Prahalad Sahai Meena and divisional forest officer (DFO), wildlife Anshu Pragyan Das. Notably, Debrigarh ecotourism recorded its highest-ever revenue of Rs 5.11 crore in 2024-25.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Nainital Back In Business: After Rs 60 Crore Hit, Tourism Recovers As Hotels Offer Big Discounts
Last Updated: After a major tourism slump due to unrest and cancellations, Nainital is bouncing back as visitors flock to enjoy its mild climate and iconic sights Nainital, Uttarakhand's famed hill station, is witnessing a welcome revival in tourism after a period of sharp decline. The sector recently suffered losses of around Rs 60 crore due to communal tensions and unrest along the Indo-Pak border, which led to a wave of booking cancellations and anxiety among hoteliers. However, the dire situation is now gradually improving. As temperatures in the northern plains soar past 30°C, Nainital offers a much cooler retreat with daytime temperatures hovering around 18°C. This has attracted a wave of tourists from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. According to Ved Sah, Secretary of the Nainital Hotel Association, hotels are offering discounts of up to 25% to encourage visitors. Traffic Management Poses Challenges Despite the tourism rebound, logistical issues persist. The local administration has introduced weekend traffic diversions and parking restrictions to manage congestion. However, tourists have reported confusion, with some vehicles stopped outside the city even when in-town parking was available—an issue that has drawn criticism and could tarnish Nainital's image. Additionally, misleading posts on social media have caused further disruption, according to Secretary Ved Sah. Tourist Hotspots Regain Buzz Popular attractions such as Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Snow View Point, and Kainchi Dham are once again filled with visitors. A tourist from Delhi praised the pleasant weather, boating activities, and local food. Another traveller from Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, described the cool breeze and breathtaking valleys as highlights of his visit. If the trend continues, Nainital looks set to reclaim its status as one of India's most beloved hill destinations. First Published: June 12, 2025, 15:34 IST
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Who Pays In Case Of A Plane Crash? All About Travel Insurance After Ahmedabad Tragedy
Last Updated: An Air India plane with 242 passengers crashed after takeoff from Ahmedabad, causing casualties. Know about travel insurance and what happens in the case of a flight mishap. A London-bound Air India plane carrying 242 passengers and crew crashed moments after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport on Thursday afternoon. Several casualties were feared. The tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad has raised pressing questions about passenger safety and the financial aftermath of such disasters. The Boeing aircraft, which could be seen losing altitude quickly, crashed in Meghaninagar area near the Ahmedabad international airport around 2 pm. From airline liabilities to travel insurance payouts, here's a breakdown of how compensation works after a plane crash — and what every air traveller should know. Airline Liability: What Are Airlines Legally Bound To Pay? In India, airline liabilities in the event of death or injury are governed by international conventions such as the Montreal Convention, 1999, to which India is a signatory. Under this, airlines are liable to pay: Up to 128,821 special drawing rights (SDRs) (around Rs 1.4 crore) per passenger in case of death or bodily injury, irrespective of fault. Compensation beyond that limit is also possible if the airline is proven negligent. For international flights, this compensation becomes mandatory under the Convention, but Indian domestic airlines often follow similar standards under DGCA guidelines. Many comprehensive travel insurance policies offer: Experts, however, said the benefit goes only to policyholders who actively opt for and purchase a travel insurance plan before flying. Many Indian flyers still overlook this option, especially for domestic flights. What If A Traveller Didn't Buy Travel Insurance? If you didn't buy separate travel insurance, you may still be eligible for: Some passengers are covered under group insurance plans offered by tour operators or employer-sponsored travel policies. Legal Battles: When Compensation Isn't Straightforward In several past incidents, families of crash victims have had to wait months or even years for compensation, especially when: The crash is under investigation Liability is disputed The passenger did not have any travel insurance or nominee details In such cases, families may have to approach consumer courts, civil courts, or grievance redressal bodies like the Insurance Ombudsman. Why Insurance is Non-Negotiable The Ahmedabad crash is a grim reminder that air travel, though statistically safe, is not risk-free. The financial and emotional impact on families can be devastating, and insurance can at least ease part of the burden, the expert said. Things every traveller should do: N Chandrasekaran, chairman of Air India, said, 'With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India flight, AI 171 operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted." An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information, he added. tags : Air India Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 12, 2025, 15:10 IST News business Who Pays In Case Of A Plane Crash? All About Travel Insurance After Ahmedabad Tragedy
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Going on a cruise for the first time? Know 10 beginner-friendly travel hacks and mistakes to avoid on board
There's a first time for everything, from catching your first flight to planning that epic road trip. But cruising is a completely unique adventure. So much of the cinematic fantasy expectations rest on your maiden voyage; sipping mimosas with the sea breeze in your hair, watching the golden horizon at sunset, gourmet meals by the balcony, or stargazing from the deck. Media, especially movies and Instagram reels, spare no expense in making cruises look dreamy and romantic. While it's natural to feel giddy about your first cruise, being well-informed is the first step to avoiding rookie missteps. But we have got you covered, so that you set sail smoothly. Akansha Agarwal, co-founder and CMO of Int2Cruises, Asia's cruise-first OTA, shared with HT Lifestyle what it takes to ensure your first cruise becomes a core memory, listing out the essential hacks and mistakes to avoid. Elaborating on how cruise travel is growing in India, she said, 'Cruise travel from India is still emerging but growing fast. Outbound travel is booming, and cruising is finally being seen as a viable, even desirable, vacation style. With the Cruise Bharat Mission aiming for 2.5 million passengers annually by 2029, cruising is no longer niche; it's booming. With newer ships, better itineraries, and growing accessibility, Indian travellers are discovering the ease and excitement of cruise holidays.' Akansha shared a detailed guide, covering 5 beginner hacks and 5 mistakes to avoid when planning your first cruise, so you can sail stress-free: First, decide who you are travelling with and what kind of holiday you want. Because in many ways, the ship is the destination. Modern cruise lines offer ships tailored to different travel moods and styles. Cruising has a reputation for being expensive, but that's not true. It is actually more cost-effective than many land-based holidays. Base fares can start as low as Rs. 6,500 per person per night, including accommodation, meals, shows, entertainment, and activities. ALSO READ: Trip finally out of group chat? 6 smart hacks and 4 mistakes every Gen Z planning gateway with friends should know
