The Mahanadi wildlife division in Satkosia Tiger Reserve started nature camp facilities for tourists and nature lovers by opening a camp at Badmul from Thursday. Located on the banks of the Mahanadi gorge on a hill, the camp facilitates a panoramic view of the gorge.
Three cottages have been built using pre-fabricated material that can be removed if required. Telengana Forest Development Corporation managing director Chandan Mitra and state chief wildlife warden Siddhant Das inaugurated the facility.
Officials said the nature camp will help generate employment for local villagers and create opportunities for educating nature lovers about the rich forest and bio-diversity in Satkosia. “It is yet another milestone to boost tourism and help local communities earn their livelihood. This will encourage them to collaborate with the forest department to conserve forest and wildlife,” said divisional forest officer (Mahanadi division) Anshu Pragya Das.
The three cottages have huge glass panels that provide the panoramic view of the gorge which is flanked by the stretches of forest on either side. This is ideal site for bird lovers as migratory species keep flocking the gorges sandbars.
Below the nature camp is nine Swiss tents on the sandbar. This year six more tents have been put up after the immense response from tourists last year. The nature camp on the mountain slope is an extension of the Satkosia sand resort.