Eco-Friendly Caravan Parks To Arrive At 7 Wildlife Spots In Odisha; What Tourists Must Know!

Odisha is all set to roll out eco-friendly caravan parks across seven wildlife destinations. The concept will be introduced with regulated stay facilities and strict SOPs on waste disposal. The initiative aims to position Odisha on India’s emerging caravan tourism map. Read on to know the seven locations and other key details regarding the caravan parks. 

Odisha Plans Caravan Tourism At Seven Wildlife Destinations

Dedicated caravan parks will soon come up at locations including Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Similipal Tiger Reserve, Satkosia Tiger Reserve, Mahendragiri, Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary, Deomali Hills and Bhitarkanika National Park. According to The New Indian Express, this is Odisha’s way of positioning itself on India’s emerging caravan tourism map.

To roll out this initiative, the government has issued a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP). This will ensure that proper rules are followed regarding caravan movement, parking, and tourist conduct within forest-managed eco-tourism zones. Moreover, the SOPs will also make sure that tourism expansion does not come at the cost of ecological balance.

The caravan parks have been developed as designated spaces for parking and short-duration stays. These spaces will feature minimal infrastructure and no permanent construction. There will also be no resort-like or conventional accommodation facilities.

Also Read: Odisha Farmer Grows Miyazaki Mangoes Worth ₹3 Lakh Per Kg; Sleeps Near Tree To Prevent Theft

Strict Rules For Caravan Parks 

According to The New Indian Express, authorities have capped the carrying capacity at four to five caravans per site at a time. The number will depend on ecological sensitivity, water availability, waste management capacity, and wildlife movement patterns.

The caravan spaces will have only eco-friendly and temporary infrastructure. This includes levelled parking bays, solar lighting, drinking water points, waste segregation systems, and charging points. Caravan movement will also be regulated through designated routes, fixed time windows, and prescribed speed limits.

 Loud music and fireworks will be prohibited. Caravan parks will also have low-intensity and downward-facing lighting to minimise disturbance to wildlife. Bookings can be made through the Ecotour Odisha portal. It should be noted that only government-approved caravan operators with pre-registered vehicles will be allowed entry.

Also Read: Odisha To Get 32-Km Rail Line Connecting Puri’s Jagannath Temple With The Konark Sun Temple

What do you think about this new initiative by Odisha? Do share your thoughts with us.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Photodailly and CCaetano (Representative Image)