Noticing the potential of a scenic spot near the Kodar Dam in Chhattisgarh, District Forest Officer Pankaj Rajput, IFS, decided to turn it into an eco-tourism camp. He added facilities like night camping and boating, and named it Eco Camp Kodar. The camp now offers an all inclusive package to visitors looking for some adventure in the wild.
Speaking with Indian Masterminds, Mr. Rajput shared details about this initiative.
KODAR ECO CAMP
There is a forest land around a reservoir which was constructed about 40-45 years ago. People come here for picnics. Realising the potential of this scenic spot, the forest department thought of monetising it through eco-tourism which will also provide livelihoods to the local people and help maintain the area in a proper way.
“I love camping and used to go for it to other faraway places, when an officer, who was earlier posted as CEO, Zila Panchayat, and who happens to be a friend of mine, said that we can start camping on the sides of Kodar dam as well. When we visited the place, we realised that it’s a doable project,” Mr. Rajput said.
So, with convergence, they managed some some funds from MNREGA and District Mineral Fund (DMF) and constructed a fencing first. “We started fencing the peddle boating area. For camping, we made simple and natural platforms, and then brought in temporary foldable tents which have bed, blanket, pillow and lights,” the officer said.
The forest department also constructed a small building that houses a kitchen, store room and toilets. Further, 10 local young boys were employed in the camp for various works. The Eco Camp Kodar has been running successfully for more than a year now.
CAMP PACKAGE
Thereafter, a complete package was introduced which included the entry fees, pedal boating, motor boating, night camping, evening refreshment, dinner, breakfast, and camp fire in winter, costing Rs. 2000 per person in the peak season. During the lean season, the price may vary. One tent can accommodate two people.
“From the money that comes into our hand, we exclude the operational expenses and divide the remaining money equally – half for maintenance costs and the other half goes to the 10 young boys who are working there. We pay them proportionately to the days they work. We are also considering giving incentives to them, like whoever gets good feedback will get paid more,” Mr. Rajput said.
The idea is to train the young boys and build a competitive spirit in them. They send them for training in rotation. Two people have come back from a cooking training in Raipur.
The camp is minimalistic with not a single pucca room for staying, nor permanent tents. “Our SOP is not luxury stay, instead it’s an adventure night stay in the forest,” Mr. Rajput said.
A rescue boat has also been kept in the camp for the safety of the visitors.
EXPANSION
“We are about to open a ticket counter cum shop where we will sell products made by local self-help group and the forest department, using the minor forest produce. This ticket counter cum shop is ready and may start in a week or so,” Mr. Rajput said.
Other plans in the pipeline are a butterfly park and a rock garden. Meanwhile, the eco camp is being promoted extensively through social media. Mr. Rajput said, “The feedback we are getting is positive. When people see the beauty of the place, they want to visit it, and first timers want to come back again.”
