Dongria Kondhs vehemently oppose Rayagada eco-tourism project at Niyamgiri hill
Rayagada : Dongria tribes have vehemently opposed Tuesday the Rayagada forest department’s move to construct eco-tourist cottages near Niyamgiri hill, under its ambitious project for the promotion of Dongria Kondh culture and development of local tourism as well. The Dongrias from 27 villages nearby Niyamgiri hill gathered in large numbers at Adisakani village of Kurli panchayat under Bissamcuttack block in Rayagada district, the spot where the forest department has proposed to construct eco-tourist cottages in Rayagada district. Vehemently opposing the department’s move, Dongria tribes claimed that the lands which have been provided to the forest department by the Odisha PVTG Empowerment and Livelihoods Improvement Programme (OPELIP) for the purpose are their own farmlands. Reacting to this, a member of the Dongria Kondh community Jitu Jakesika said, “A meeting was organised at Adisakani village. Huika, Pusika, Kadraka, Jakesika and Misika tribals took part in today’s meet...