Karma Ethnic Resort Manipat and Johar Motel inaugurated | Chhattisgarh | 24 Dec 2022

Why in News?

• On December 23, 2022, 'Karma Ethnic Resort' and 'Johar Motel' Sontarai were inaugurated at a function organized at Kamleshwarpur in Mainpat under the chairmanship of Amarjeet Bhagat and Chief Hospitality and Food Minister of Chhattisgarh Government Tamradhwaj Sahu.

Key Points

• It may be mentioned here that the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India had launched the 'Swadesh Darshan Scheme' of Tourism Development based on various themes in the year 2015-16, under which the 'Tribal Tourism Circuit' was launched in the year 2016 with the aim of acquainting tourists with the tribal and rural culture of Chhattisgarh. The Project was sanctioned. A total of 13 destinations of Tribal Dominated Areas of the State have been developed in this Project.
• Under the Tribal Tourism Circuit of this Project, 'Karma Ethnic Resort' has been developed as an 'Eco Ethnic Tourist Destination' at Kamleshwarpur (Mainpat). This resort has been built at a cost of Rs. 21.37 crore on the theme of Rural Environment of Surguja region. The State Government had provided 46 acres of land in Kamleshwarpur for this project.
• The Karma Ethnic Resort built under the Swadesh Darshan scheme will provide tourists a chance to get to know the Tribal tradition, Local and Tibetan culture here with the facility of stay.
• 'Karma Ethnic Resort' Tourist Reception and Facilitation Centre at Kamleshwarpur (Mainpat), 20 Rooms (Craft and Herbal Haat-Artisan Centre), Cafeteria, Open Amphitheatre, Souvenir Shop, Tribal Interpretation Centre, Tribal Workshop Centre, 2 High-end facilities including electric vehicle (8 seater), electric charging station, cycle track (including lighting) have been installed, which will become the center of tourist attraction.
• Facilities like 5 rooms, Dermatore Hall, Lawn, Cafeteria (Dinning Hall), Store Room, Parking have been constructed in 'Sontarai Motel, Sitapur'.
• The operation of this Scheme will increase the number of tourists in Mainpat, provide additional option of staying in Rural Environment along with other accommodation facilities for tourists to stay, additional sources of employment and income to the local people. Here, Handicraft Training can be given to tourists along with local people and Handicraft Artists.
• Apart from this, tourists will also be familiar with the local Tibetan culture, which will increase the sale of products made by them. Space will be available in Souvenir shops for selling Local Handicrafts, Forest Products/ Herbal Products, Conference Facility will be available commercially. Homestay will be promoted in Manpat in the future and other tourism activities will also increase.
• Addressing the function, Tourism Minister Tamradhwaj Sahu said that with the opening of Karma Ethnic Resort, tourists will stay here, which will promote home stay in Mainpat. Local people will get employment. Handicrafts here will get a market.
• Atal Srivastava, president of Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, said that Mainpat is called Shimla of Chhattisgarh. Mainpat is different from other hill stations of the State. The 'Jaljali' and 'Ultapani' here are unique in the country and the World. A Tourism Circuit will be built in the State, Satrenga, Mainpat and Jashpur will be connected to the north from Raipur.