Dalma wildlife sanctuary handicrafts get steady response from tourists

The products are made by villagers, income from sale goes directly to them

Mail New Service

Jamshedpur, August 17: Handicraft items made by villagers living inside Dalma wildlife sanctuary and its periphery are slowly and steadily getting good response from visitors who flock the 192 sq km jumbo abode, 30 km from Jamshedpur.

A local NGO has tied up with Dalma Van Suraksha Samity (DVSS), a body set up by volunteers for protection of Dalma, following mediation by the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary authority for enhancing the earning capacity of the local people. 

By setting up the outlet, the NGO, Tagore Society for Rural Development (TSRD) not only provides the villagers a platform for selling their products, but also gives numerous ecotourists an opportunity to have a true impression about the Dalma hills.

The villagers make clay bottles, bamboo and leaf hats, leaf plates and bamboo baskets and spices. The products are sold from an outlet at Makulakocha, the gateway to the sprawling sanctuary, known for Asiatic elephants.

The venture promoted by the TSRD under it’s Livelihood Enterprise Development Project (LEDP) is funded by NABARD.  A memorandum of understanding between the NGO and DVSS has already been signed. 

There are 16 revenue villagers inside the periphery of Dalma and over two dozens villages located just outside it. 

The main aim behind setting up the outlet is to enhance the source of living of the local people, many of whom make a living by collecting woods by tree felling in a clandestine manner. 

“The products made by villagers are getting positive response. The footfall at the sanctuary has increased manifold and tourists are appreciating and also buying the products made by villagers,”said Dalma range officer (West) Dinesh Chandra.

Honey collected by villagers living inside the sanctuary are also being sold. Tourists purchase fresh honey  from villagers in good quantity by paying a pittance. However, honey is now being sold from the outlet in packets.

The 1.25 liter clay bottle carries a price tag of Rs 20.

“Use of plastic is banned inside the sanctuary. Clay bottles made by village potters are being sold to the tourists who  flock the sanctuary in peak winter season. Items, including clay bottles, hats and plates will help villagers earn some extra money,” said a forester.

He added that  plastic ban was being strictly implemented inside the sanctuary.”Tourists visiting the sanctuary with plastic bottles are asked to deposit money at the ticket counter. The money is refunded if they deposit the bottles at the counter. For example, tourists need to deposit Rs 20 for carrying plastic bottles inside the sanctuary. This would deter tourists from throwing plastic bottles inside the reserve,” he explained.

Tourists also throw plastic and thermocol plates inside . So, plates made from leaves  are a handy option for them.  “Unlike plastic items, clay bottles and leaf plates can be discarded inside the reserve. The effort of promoting clay bottles will also keep the sanctuary clean and tidy. The effort will also keep the environment  clean,” the forester said.

Tourists from Jharkhand, Bengal, Odisha, Bihar and Chhattisgarh flock to the sanctuary in impressive numbers, especially in winter. Villagers sell tourist-friendly products made by them. Income from the sale goes directly to them.