Bastar’s Best Tourism Village Dhudmaras Shines Bright with Solar Energy
Raipur, 09 July
Dhudmaras, a small tribal village located within the Kanger Valley National Park in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, has now made a distinct mark on the global stage. Recognized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as one of the world’s top 20 best tourism villages, Dhudmaras has emerged as a model for environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Blessed with natural beauty, cultural diversity, and a traditional way of life, the village is now moving toward self-reliance through solar energy. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, continuous efforts are being made in the Bastar region to promote eco-friendly tourism and to improve local infrastructure. Various solar energy-based projects have been effectively implemented in Dhudmaras by CREDA (Chhattisgarh State Renewable Energy Development Agency), ensuring clean drinking water, nighttime lighting, and electricity supply in educational institutions.
Through CREDA, three solar dual pumps have been installed in the village to ensure the availability of clean drinking water. Two solar high-mast lights have been set up for night illumination, and solar-powered street lights have been installed throughout the village lanes. Primary and middle schools in the village now have solar-powered electricity. CREDA Chairman Shri Bhupendra Sawanni and Chief Executive Officer Shri Rajesh Rana have been actively monitoring the projects to ensure quality execution.
On the occasion of World Tourism Day, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, awarded Bastar’s Dhudmaras and Chitrakot villages as the best tourism villages. Rich in natural beauty, Dhudmaras captivates visitors with the scenic Kanger River, lush greenery, biodiversity, and traditional Bastariya culture.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, the state government is developing facilities such as trekking trails, camping sites, and homestays. Local artisans and artists are being supported and linked to markets to promote traditional handicrafts. Road and transportation infrastructure is also being strengthened.
The Eco-Tourism Development Committee in Dhudmaras is conducting adventure activities such as kayaking and bamboo rafting in the Kanger River, creating livelihood opportunities for local youth. Basic facilities like waiting areas and toilets for tourists are also being developed at the village level. The Forest and Tourism Departments of the state government are working in a planned manner to develop Dhudmaras as an eco-tourism destination. Similarly, villages like Nagalsar and Netanar are also seeing a boost in eco-tourism initiatives.
The success of Dhudmaras stands as a testament to the fact that if government schemes are implemented with community participation, economic, social, and cultural development is indeed possible in rural areas. This village has now become a source of inspiration for the entire Bastar region.