Raipur, July 09, 2025/ The small tribal village of Dhudmararas, which falls under the Kanger Valley National Park of Bastar district of Chhattisgarh state, has today made its own identity on the world stage. This village, which is included in the 20 best tourism villages in the world by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, has now emerged as a model of environmental protection and sustainable development.
This village, full of natural beauty, cultural diversity and traditional lifestyle, is now also moving towards self-reliance through solar energy. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, continuous work is being done to promote environment-friendly tourism in the Bastar region as well as to develop local facilities. By effectively implementing various solar energy based projects by CREDA in Dhudmararas village, clean drinking water, night lighting system and electricity supply in educational institutions have been ensured.
Through the Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA), the availability of pure drinking water has been ensured by establishing 03 solar dual pumps in the village. Night lighting has been arranged by installing 02 solar high mast plants. Solar power street lights have been installed in the village lanes. Solar energy based electricity supply has been ensured in primary and secondary schools. Shri Bhupendra Savanni, President of CREDA and Shri Rajesh Rana, Chief Executive Officer, have continuously monitored the projects and completed the works in a quality manner.
The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has awarded Dhudmararas village and Chitrakot village of Bastar district as the best villages on the occasion of World Tourism Day. The naturally rich Dhudmararas village attracts tourists with the scenic stream of the Kanger River, greenery, biodiversity and traditional Bastaria culture.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, the state government is developing tracking trails, camping sites and home-stay facilities. Traditional handicrafts are being linked to the market by encouraging local artisans and artists. Road and transport facilities are being strengthened.
Kayaking and bamboo rafting like adventure activities are being conducted in the Kanger River by the Eco-Tourism Development Committee in Dhudmararas village, due to which the youth are getting opportunities for livelihood at the local level. Development of basic facilities like waiting rooms, toilets for tourists is also being done at the village level. The Forest and Tourism Department of the State Government is doing planned work to develop Dhudmararas as an eco-tourism destination. On the same lines, eco-tourism is also being promoted in villages like Nagalsar and Netanar.
The success of Dhudmararas is proof that if the government’s schemes are implemented with community participation, then economic, social and cultural development is possible even in rural areas. This village has now become a source of inspiration for the entire Bastar region.