Odisha: ‘Wildlife Habitats Should Not Become Tourism Jamborees’

The growing threat to ecological balance in wildlife sanctuaries of Odisha are becoming a matter of grave concern, with the mushrooming of recreation avenues, such as eco-retreats and nature camps for tourists.

Pitching tents with staying accommodation and food courts may be one aspect of the comforts being offered to visitors but what should not be lost sight of is the disproportionate growth of such activities endangering the well-being of wildlife and nature in sanctuaries.

A case in point is Odisha Tourism, which organises 'Eco Retreat Odisha', a seasonal event with “star facilities” every year in different locations across the state.

This issue is not just about damage to the environment but also involves some introspection into our responsibilities towards the planet and future generations.

With rising population, developmental needs, consumerism, culture and disasters, a critical challenge faces the planet today, which is struggling to maintain a delicate balance between environmental conservation and economic development.

Odisha is blessed with an abundance of wildlife hubs and sanctuaries. However, eco-retreats tend to crowd sanctuaries by bringing in a large influx of visitors to sensitive natural habitats, potentially disturbing wildlife with increased human presence, noise and light pollution and activities, even if the retreat claims to be environmentally friendly.

 What is needed is regular assessment of the impact of visitor activities in sanctuaries and accordingly adjusting practices. This task requires cooperation between the tourism department and the local people in the vicinity.

 Of late, eco-retreats in wildlife sanctuaries, including nature camps and resorts, have been growing in Odisha. Some of these are:

The Debrigarh Nature Camp: Located in Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, this camp is popular for its wildlife sightings 

Satkosia Sands Resort & Nature Camp: Located in Satkosia Tiger Reserve, this resort is managed by villagers,

In addition, regular nature camps are also held in Bhitarkanika, Similipal, Badmul, Chilika, Nuanai and Rissia.

Even with controlled access, a large number of visitors can disrupt wildlife behaviour by causing animals to flee or alter their feeding patterns. 

Activities like talking, music, and transportation generate noise that disturbs wildlife, especially in quiet areas essential for breeding or resting. 

Also, construction of retreat facilities, even if minimal, can still alter the natural landscape and impact wildlife movement. 

Another issue of concern is waste management practices that are not strictly enforced. It has been seen that litter can accumulate and harm wildlife. 

Artificial lighting at night is another aspect that disrupts the natural rhythmic behaviour of nocturnal animals. 

Odisha tourism and other entities offering such eco-retreats to tourists must, therefore, implementing a limit on the number of visitors allowed in a given area at any time. 

There should be clearly marked paths to minimise the disturbance to sensitive habitats. 

 A Case in Point

As per reports, the National Green Tribunal (NGT)’s east zone bench in Kolkata on last Tuesday issued notices to the Centre and state on a petition questioning the legality of the state tourism department’s three-month-long eco-retreat ‘glamping’ (glamorous camping) programme at Pentha sea beach within the Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary and national park area.

Interestingly, a eco-retreat in Bhitarkanika started at Pentha sea beach, a nesting site of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles, from December 1, and will continued till February-end. The state tourism department has been organising this retreat for the past three years.

According to a report in a national daily, activist Alay Samantaray of Marsaghai in Kendrapara district, had filed a petition alleging violation of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and Coastal Regulation Zone Notification 2019.  His advocates had made submissions in virtual mode on behalf of the petitioner and sought the NGT’s intervention highlighting the ecological sensitivity of the Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary, particularly its role as a critical nesting site for Olive Ridley sea turtles.

“The bench of B Amit Sthalekar (judicial member) and Dr Arun Kumar Verma (expert member) said the matter needs consideration and issued notices seeking responses from the deputy director general of Forests (Integrated Regional Office) of Union Forest & Environment ministry, member secretary National Board for Wildlife and state authorities - additional chief secretary Forest & Environment department, member secretary Odisha Coastal Zone Management Authority and Kendrapara collector,” said the report.

The bench posted the matter to March 18, 2025, for considering the legality of the eco-retreat programme at Pentha beach along with replies from the respondents.

According to the petition the “ground for the retreat and approach road was prepared by compacting them with heavy vehicles and rollers. Furthermore, transformer and electric poles have been erected on the beach along with concrete structures to facilitate the glamping activities.”

The “wildlife department should not have failed to see 25 such luxury tents being pitched and alongside there is a venue for motorised water sports besides many recreational activities,” Harekrushna Satpathy, a wildlife activist, told NewsClick.

He said “the damage is already done and steps must be taken not to repeat such violations in the times to come”.

Incidentally, the situation is similar in almost all eco-retreats and nature camps that are bypassing the norms that ensure a holistic atmosphere in and around the sanctuaries.

The writer is a freelancer based in Odisha.