Odisha Government allowed tourists into certain tribal areas after three years ban

The Odisha government on 4 February 2016 lifted the restrictions on visit of foreign tourists to certain tribal areas in the State. The ban was lifted after three years.

The revised guidelines relaxed restrictions that will enable foreign tourists to trek and learn the lifestyle of primitive tribes living in certain hilly terrains.

Highlights of the revised guidelines
• Foreign tourists have been asked to pay respect to the culture and tradition of tribals.
• The tourists will have to submit their proposed itinerary to the police superintendents of the concerned districts.
• The foreign tourists have been asked to take photographs only with the consent of the tribals.

The government tightened the restrictions following the abduction of two Italian tourists in Kandhamal district by Maoists three years ago.

The state government reportedly took the decision following dwindling tourist footfalls in Odisha. Notably, Odisha is home to 62 tribal communities, including 13 categorised as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.