Context:
Dhudmaras, a village in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district, has been selected to participate in the Best Tourism Village Upgrade Programme (BTVUP) under the United Nations Tourism for Rural Development Programme (UNTRDP) by the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Dhudmaras Village Overview
Location and Attractions
- Situated in Kanger Valley National Park: Dhudmaras is nestled within the lush expanse of Kanger Valley National Park (KVNP), named after the Kanger River that meanders through it.
- Rich Biodiversity: The village is surrounded by dense forests, the flowing Kanger River, and rich biodiversity, making it an ideal spot for eco-tourism.
- Cave Formations: KVNP is renowned for its spectacular caves—Kutumbasar, Kailash, and Dandak—which are celebrated for their intricate stalactites and stalagmites.
Flora and Fauna
- Dominant Vegetation: The park’s vegetation is primarily composed of moist deciduous forests, including sal, teak, and bamboo.
Cultural Significance
- Dhurwa Tribe: Dhudmaras is home to the Dhurwa Tribe, which is part of the larger Gond tribal community. The Dhurwa people speak Paarji, a dialect of the Gond language.
- Tribal Lifestyle and Tourism: The village offers visitors a chance to experience authentic tribal life through homestays, traditional food, and guided tours.
Development Initiatives
- UNWTO Assistance: Under the UNWTO’s Best Tourism Village Upgrade Programme (BTVUP), Dhudmaras is set to receive support aimed at boosting economic and environmental sustainability along with tourism development.
UN Tourism for Rural Development Programme (UNTRDP)
Goals and Objectives
- Promoting Rural Development: The UNTRDP aims to foster development, inclusion, and innovation in rural areas through tourism. It seeks to combat rural depopulation and encourage sustainable practices.
- Evaluation Framework: Participating villages are assessed across nine key areas, including cultural and natural resources, economic and social sustainability, tourism development, and infrastructure.
Three Pillars of the Programme
- Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism: This component recognizes rural tourism destinations that excel in preserving cultural and natural assets, upholding community values, and adhering to principles of innovation and sustainability.
- Best Tourism Village Upgrade Programme (BTVUP): Provides targeted assistance to villages to address areas of improvement, helping them meet the criteria for recognition as a Best Tourism Village.
- The Best Tourism Villages Network: Creates a platform for sharing experiences and collaborating on best practices in rural tourism. It connects experts, communities, and stakeholders, facilitating knowledge exchange and cooperation.
-Source: Indian Express
