BHUBANESWAR: The alleged ‘human safari’ in Bonda Hills of Malkangiri district that made international headlines was found to be a mere propaganda. Senior bureaucrat Usha Padhee who submitted a report to the State Government after a field tour to the Bonda Hills has reportedly said that tourists are not allowed to the 29 villages which are predominantly inhabited by the primitive tribals. It is, however, a fact that tourists are taking photographs of Bonda women coming to the weekly market on payment and this needs to be regulated, she is stated to have reported. Padhee, additional secretary in the Panchayati Raj Department and Director, TRIPTI and Mission Shakti, is reported to have recommended a series of measures needed to be taken to protect the dignity and cultural sanctity of the primitive tribals. Apart from proposing establishment of Bonda resource centre to showcase the lifestyle and cultural aspects of the primitive tribes to the tourists, the senior bureaucrat has reportedly recommended to the Government to prepare procedures and modalities for conducted tour in the protected zone by tour operators. Proposing to develop a model of community tourism, Padhee has reportedly suggested to the Government to identify local people who will assist the tour operators in the conducted tour to the Bonda Hills which is a prohibited area for outside tourists. The Bonda Development Agency (BDA), working for the welfare of the primitive tribes, should work as the nodal agency to identify local youth who will work as tourist guides. The selected groups of Bonda youths should be given training on conducted tour and photography so that they can earn a good living. She has further suggested to strengthen the BDA with more manpower having proficiency in tribal culture and tourism aspects as well. There should be a set of ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ for the tour operators and tourists visiting Bonda Hills and this should be properly displayed at strategic locations. The long-term measures suggested by Padhee include development of roads, supply of safe drinking water and electricity, health services and education. However, utmost care should be taken to preserve the identity of the Bonda people who are far away from the modernity. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs sought a report from the State Government about the measures taken to protect the primitive tribes.
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