Raipur, October 16. The Dhamtari district administration is exploring the tourism potential of the ancient Gautam Rishi hill at Mandagiri, located within the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve in Nagri block. A proposal has been submitted to develop a 12-km eco-trekking trail and improve road connectivity, with the aim of promoting the forested region as a tourist destination while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for tribal communities.
Dhamtari Collector Abinash Mishra visited Gautam Rishi hill to assess its tourism potential and inspect rural livelihood projects being implemented under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan. He was accompanied by Divisional Forest Officer Krishna Jadhav and Zila Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Jayant Nahata.
During the visit, the Collector offered prayers at the hill and interacted with local residents to understand their civic concerns and identify opportunities for generating employment for tribal youth.
Villagers demand bridge over Sondhur river
While travelling to the hill, Collector Mishra interacted with village women to review the implementation of key welfare schemes, including financial assistance under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, services at Anganwadi centres and foodgrain distribution through the Public Distribution System (PDS).
The women demanded the construction of a high-level bridge over the Sondhur river to ensure year-round connectivity between neighbouring villages. They explained that the absence of adequate infrastructure creates difficulties during the monsoon.
The Collector assured them that the administration would consider infrastructure development according to local needs and requirements.
Proposal submitted for a 12-km eco-trekking trail
Representatives of the Jai Gautam Rishi Seva Samiti, led by its president Mangal Singh Nag, submitted a detailed proposal to the district administration to develop the region as a tourist destination. Drawing inspiration from tourism development around the Gangrel dam catchment area, the villagers highlighted the potential for boosting the local economy through eco-tourism.
The key demands in the proposal include:
- Development of a 12-km eco-trekking trail leading to Gautam Rishi hill.
- Construction of a 55-km all-weather road connecting Nagri, Karka and Mandagiri to Mechka.
- Construction of high-level bridges over the Sondhur and Amkada rivers to prevent villages from becoming isolated during the monsoon.
According to the Samiti, the lack of all-weather roads and bridges affects more than 15 villages during the rainy season, disrupting access to schools and emergency medical services.
The Samiti believes that tourism development in the forest belt could create employment opportunities through homestays, local guide services and eco-tourism ventures, providing additional income to tribal families.
Road improvement works under way
Addressing villagers, Collector Mishra said that road improvement projects are already under way to strengthen connectivity in the forest region.
Work is progressing on upgrading the earth-and-murrum road from the canal drain to Khudumuda pond in the Mechka area. Another road project covers the stretch from the Sondhur river to the Gadulbahra-3 border in the Risgaon area.
The Collector assured community representatives that the administration would examine the tourism development proposal and take appropriate steps to provide basic tourist amenities while protecting the local ecosystem.
Inspection of sericulture and Mahul leaf collection
During the visit, Collector Mishra and the administrative team travelled by motorcycle through difficult terrain to reach remote hamlets. They inspected livelihood activities linked to Mahul leaf collection and sericulture (silkworm rearing).
The Collector also inaugurated a Gramin Mausami Manchitra Kutiya (rural seasonal map hut) during the tour.
The initiative seeks to connect forest resources and traditional skills with sustainable income-generating activities for local families. By developing eco-tourism alongside forest-based livelihoods, the administration aims to promote economic opportunities while preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the region.
