‘Mangata eco-tourism centre aids sustainability’

Raipur: ‘Van Chetna Kendra' is an eco-tourism venue at Mangata in Rajnandgaon forest division, and the forest department says that it is a decisive step towards tackling environmental challenges while supporting community development in the area, which had placated wildlife-human conflicts. The 387.500-hectare Mangata forest block is distinctively surrounded by stone quarries, with nearby national highway and railway infrastructure adding to environmental pressures. The area hosts spotted deer, wild boars, hares and various reptiles. Prior to 2015, the area faced regular wildlife-human conflicts, with animals damaging crops and causing farmer distress. The Forest Department paid annual compensation between Rs 10-15 lakhs, whilst summer water shortages resulted in wildlife casualties.Dev Lal Sahu, aged 58, a resident and former Sarpanch of Mangata, said, "Frequent crop damage by wild animals caused resentment among farmers, prompting us to seek a more lasting solution from the govt".The then-chief minister Raman Singh envisioned the ‘Van Chetna Kendra' to address villagers' calls. PCCF & HoFF V. Sreenivasa Rao, IFS, noted, "Guided by the visionary leadership of Hon'ble chief minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and Hon'ble forest minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, the forest fepartment continues to promote environmental sustainability alongside community development. ."Van Chetna Kendra provides visitor amenities and wildlife support. The location features tent houses, tree houses, stone houses, mud houses, a children's garden (Bal Udyan), environmental education theatre and waterfall viewpoint, attracting thousands of annual visitors.Three nature trails enhance visitor experiences. Meera Sahu, Mangata's Sarpanch, stated, "Before 2015, Mangata was a little-known location. The creation of Van Chetna Kendra has made Mangata a recognized destination, attracting wildlife and nature enthusiasts from across India and abroad. Earlier, people here had to travel far for work, but now they find opportunities nearby, working in resorts or running small businesses like restaurants and vending stalls. Some have even availed bank-financed gypsies to rent out to tourists, improving their economic conditions and living standards."The initiative has been a source for tribal employment, with 48 tribal members, including women, employed from nearby villages. Pyari Bai Netam, aged 45, from Jhooradabri village, shared, "Before the park's establishment, I worked as a daily wage laborer with no stable income. Now, after years of employment at Van Chetna Kendra, I have a steady income, built my own house, and purchased a tractor."The area's economic growth includes 140 resorts, with 50 more under construction. The 20-member Van Prabandh Samiti Mangata previously managed the park with the Forest Department. DFO Rajnandgaon Ayush Jain reported income figures as Rs 26,49,673 (2019), Rs 24,73,411 (2020), Rs 40,77,334 (2021), Rs 43,06,863 (2022), and Rs 30,94,111 (2023). The Samiti awaits reconstitution through elections.
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