Odisha Rolls Out Eco-Friendly Caravan Tourism Across Wildlife Destinations

Odisha Rolls Out Eco-Friendly Caravan Tourism Across Wildlife Destinations

Odisha is set to strengthen its presence on India’s growing caravan tourism map as the Forest department prepares to introduce regulated caravan stay facilities at some of the state’s most scenic eco-tourism 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.

To ensure tourism growth remains environmentally responsible, the government has issued a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governing caravan movement, parking and tourist behaviour within forest-managed eco-tourism zones.

According to deputy conservator of forests (Wildlife) Vivek Kumar, the initiative focuses on promoting sustainable tourism without disturbing the ecological balance of these sensitive forest regions.

Under the SOP, caravan parks will function only as temporary parking and short-stay zones with minimal infrastructure. Permanent constructions and resort-style developments will not be allowed. Each site will accommodate only four to five caravans at a time, depending on factors such as wildlife movement, water availability, waste management and ecological sensitivity. Final capacity decisions will be taken by the respective divisional forest officers (DFOs).

The parks will include eco-friendly facilities such as levelled parking bays, solar lighting, drinking water points, waste segregation systems, septic facilities and charging stations. Caravan bookings will be managed through the Ecotour Odisha portal, and entry will be permitted only to government-approved operators with pre-registered vehicles.

Strict regulations have also been introduced for caravan movement inside forest areas. Vehicles must follow designated routes, fixed travel timings and prescribed speed limits, especially in wildlife-sensitive zones.

Tourists will be required to follow proper waste segregation practices and avoid littering. Disposal of sewage or grey water into forests or nearby water bodies has been strictly prohibited. Loud music, fireworks and generators will not be allowed, while lighting inside caravan parks must remain low-intensity and wildlife-friendly.

Visitors will also receive safety briefings regarding wildlife behaviour. Feeding animals is banned, and any unusual animal movement must be immediately reported to forest officials. In case wildlife approaches caravan zones, tourists will be instructed to remain inside their vehicles and follow official directions.

The SOP further states that revenue generated from caravan operations will be distributed with 80 per cent allocated for infrastructure maintenance through DFOs, 10 per cent for local communities and eco-development committees, and the remaining 10 per cent directed to the ecotourism society corpus fund.

Officials have proposed a tentative parking fee of Rs 1,000 per night, while services such as food, electricity, waste management, sewerage disposal, dormitory use and recreational activities will be charged separately based on actual costs.