The Orissa government on Saturday decided to regulate the visit of foreign tourists and researchers to the areas inhabited by the “Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups” (PVTRGs) such as the Bondas and Dongaria Kandhas.
According to an order of the chief minister’s office, no foreign tourists and researchers intending to visit the areas inhabited and frequented by the PVTGs will do so without the “permission” from the district magistrate.
“A copy of the permission should be marked to the local police station. It shall be the duty of the inspector–in-charge or officer-in-charge of the police station to ensure that the conditions mentioned in the permission are strictly followed. In case of any violation criminal cases should be lodged against the tourist/sponsor/tour operator under appropriate sections of law,” the release added. It further said all applications for such permission shall be made to the district magistrate through the tourist officer of the concerned district.
While granting permission, the district magistrate should impose such conditions as are necessary to protect and uphold the cultural ethos and dignity of the tribal community, the CMO order said.
The order states that district magistrate should allow visitors to visit only limited number of villages/locations taking into account the sensitivity of the area and bonafide of the purpose of visit.
“The tourists should be accompanied by a representative of the development agency of the concerned PVTG,” the order said.