State PCS - Chhattisgarh (CGPSC)

• 12 Jul 2025

Solar-Powered Model Tourism Village in Chhattisgarh

Why in News? 

Dhudmaras village in Chhattisgarh is emerging as a solar-powered model, boosting infrastructure and enriching rural tourism. 

• It was recognized as one of the world’s top tourism villages among 20 global villages by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 2023. 

Key Points 

• About the Dhudmaras:  
  • It is situated in Kanger Valley National Park, Bastar district, approx. 350 km from Raipur. 
  • The village is known for its lush greenery, rich biodiversity, the picturesque Kanger River, and the vibrant tribal culture of the Bastaria community. 
  • It is popular for adventure activities like trekking, kayaking, and bamboo rafting. 
  • Awarded as one of the "Best Tourism Villages" in Bastar by the Union Ministry of Tourism on World Tourism Day 2023. 
• Solar Power Initiatives:  
  • The Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA) has installed solar pumps, high-mast and street lights, and powered local schools in Dhudmaras. 

Kanger Valley National Park  

• Location: Situated 27 km from Jagdalpur in Bastar district, Chhattisgarh. 
• Ecological Significance: Lies in a transitional forest zone, where the southern limit of sal forests and northern limit of teak forests overlap. 
  • Features both moist peninsular sal forests and South Indian tropical moist deciduous forests. 
• Biodiversity: Hosts a wide variety of wildlife including panthers, wild cats, cheetal (spotted deer), sambhar, barking deer, wild pigs, jackals, langurs, rhesus macaques, sloth bears, flying squirrels, hyenas, and civets. 
  • Reptiles such as pythons, snakes, and lizards are commonly found. 
  • Rich in birdlife, including birds of prey, scavengers, water birds, and the Bastar Hill Myna — the state bird of Chhattisgarh. 
  • Insects like butterflies, moths, and dragonflies, along with bryophytes and pteridophytes, are also prevalent. 
• Natural Attractions: 
  • Includes major attractions such as Tirathgarh Waterfall, Kutumsar Caves, Kailash Gupha, and Bhisadarha. 
  • The Kanger River, flowing west to east, bisects the park and lends the valley its name. 
• Conservation Status: Declared a National Park in July 1982 to protect its rich flora and fauna.