Jeypore,Sept 19 [UDN}: Raniduduma, a picturesque tourist destination located in Nandapur block of Koraput district, is emerging as an attractive destination for tourists owing to its breathtaking natural beauty, cascading waterfalls and lush green surroundings. The scenic charm of the area, with streams flowing down from the hills and a tranquil natural environment, has been drawing increasing numbers of visitors.
In a significant step towards women’s empowerment and rural economic development, the responsibility for the maintenance and management of the Raniduduma tourist spot has been entrusted to women members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The initiative is being seen as an encouraging example of how tourism development can be linked with livelihood opportunities and women’s economic independence.
Women members of the Mahalakshmi, Gangadevi Gopinath and Bhirabi SHG groups are actively involved in managing the tourist destination. Their responsibilities range from maintaining cleanliness and ensuring proper upkeep of the site to providing essential facilities and assistance to visitors. Through their involvement, the administration is seeking to ensure better management of the tourism facility while simultaneously creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local women.
The women are also involved in operating the Aranya Café, established at the tourist destination to provide food and refreshments to visitors. The café has added another avenue for the SHG members to earn an income while enabling tourists to access basic food and beverage facilities during their visit.
The initiative is particularly significant for women from rural areas, as it allows them to earn a livelihood without having to leave their villages or migrate elsewhere in search of employment. By taking responsibility for tourism-related services, the SHG members are gaining practical experience in hospitality, cleanliness management, food services and overall tourism-site operations. The income generated through these activities is expected to contribute towards strengthening their families financially and improving their economic independence.
The SHG women have also expressed enthusiasm after being entrusted with the responsibility of managing the tourism site. Their participation has given them an opportunity to become active stakeholders in the development of tourism in their own locality. At the same time, their involvement is helping create a sense of ownership among the local community towards preserving and maintaining the natural attraction.
The district administration’s initiative has received appreciation from people in the locality, particularly for combining women’s empowerment with tourism development. The model demonstrates how naturally endowed rural destinations can generate employment and income opportunities for local communities when their management is integrated with self-help groups.
According to Pottangi MLA Ramachandra Kadam, efforts are continuing to undertake further developmental activities at Raniduduma in the coming days and transform it into a more attractive and well-developed tourist destination. The focus is expected to remain on improving visitor facilities, maintaining cleanliness and preserving the area’s natural beauty while creating additional livelihood opportunities for local residents.
The Raniduduma initiative thus represents a broader approach in which tourism is not viewed merely as a means of attracting visitors but also as a platform for community participation, rural employment and women’s economic empowerment. With SHG women playing a central role in the day-to-day management of the destination, the picturesque tourist spot is gradually becoming an example of inclusive tourism development in Koraput district.
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