Bhubaneswar: The state govt is considering a proposal to relax existing restrictions on the entry of foreign tourists and researchers into areas inhabited by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), but any relaxation is likely to be limited to select villages with tourism potential. The proposal, placed by the tourism department, was recently taken up at a meeting of the home department to review the existing restrictions governing visits by foreign tourists and researchers to PVTG-inhabited areas. Tourism officials attending the meeting felt that the restrictions could be reviewed in view of the improved security situation and the growing tourism potential of such regions.The restrictions on tourism in PVTG areas in the districts of Kalahandi, Rayagada, Nuapada, Kandhamal, Malkangiri and Koraput have been in place since 2012.Officials added that no final decision on relaxing the restrictions has been taken yet. Instead, it has been decided that a statutory committee constituted by the state govt will examine the proposal and take the final decision after consultations with all departments concerned. Most importantly, it has been decided that if restrictions are relaxed, it should be done only for selected villages, based on their tourism potential, and not across the entire list of notified restricted villages.According to the decisions taken at the meeting, the tourism department will first identify villages and locations among the notified restricted areas which have tourism potential. It will then consult the DGP (anti-naxal operations) to assess the security implications of allowing foreign visitors and researchers into these areas. The department will also consult the ST and SC development department to assess the likely cultural and social impact on PVTGs and other tribal communities. It has also been asked to explore the possibility of organising a cultural festival in one of the notified villages in Koraput, showcasing the state’s rich tribal heritage.The committee will subsequently take a final view based on inputs from the tourism department, intelligence wing and the ST & SC development department. The move comes in the wake of the state govt exploring ways to showcase Odisha’s tribal heritage through tourism.The move comes as Odisha seeks to balance the tourism potential of tribal areas with concerns relating to security and the protection of the cultural and social interests of PVTG and tribal communities. “The proposal does not amount to an immediate opening of all restricted PVTG areas to foreign visitors but any change will depend on the committee’s assessment and a final decision by the govt,” a senior officer of the tourism department said.
