Eco-tourism fest in East Godavari

In an attempt to popularise products made by tribals, the East Godavari Forest Department, in association with Vana Samrakshana Samithis (VSS) and Eco-protection Committees formed by tribal women, is organising Vanavihari - an Eco-Tourism festival from November 11 to March 5, 2008.

The major thrust of the festival is to market various tribal products like artifacts and furniture carved out of bamboo, and agarbatti apart from creating an awareness about conservation of forests.  

The festival will also provide an opportunity for the tourists to explore the beauty of East Godavari district. Tourists can camp in the deep woods to Valmiki Valley Vana Vihara Sthali, a community-based eco-tourism initiative at Maredumilli.

They can also visit Pinjara Konda falls, Jalatarangini, coffee and pepper plantations, pine plants, and explore the Eastern Ghats.

VSS is organising tribal cultural activities like Kommu dance, Rela dance and Burrakatha and also exhibiting tribal products, snake show (wildlife conservation awareness campaign) and tribal food festival.

"It is a novel experiment aimed at protecting and developing the forest, involving the local tribes. The purpose is three-fold -- protecting the forest, providing local employment to the tribes, and spreading the message of conservation to the general public. About 40 people are getting good employment as tourist guides, rest house care-takers, cooks, handicraft sellers, etc. The picturesque spots have been developed in a thematic fashion, using locally available low-cost materials, mostly bamboo and wood," said B Ananda Mohan, district forest officer.

The state transport corporation has pressed into service special buses for tourists on Sundays and holidays.