Enchanting Eco TourismNurtures Tribal Entrepreneurs BJET – SuccessModel

Abstract

Irula tribal community’s standard living raises due to their conscious social entrepreneurial efforts. Optimal blend of entrepreneurial activities and eco tourism generates income to support 30 tribal families. BJET (Baralikkadu Jungle Eco Tourism) project is a successful model in Coimbatore district. Baralikkadu is a tribal hamlet located at 75 kms from Coimbatore on the bank of Bhavani river that rows into the Pillur dam. The irula tribals live on the river banks in ten hamlets in the foothills of Nilgiri hills jewelled with lush green forests. The misty air, the green forest, beautiful Bhavani river, hills, bees, butterflies, birds, bisons, elephants and other wildlife provide a new mesmerizing experience for new traveller. The novel idea of using the natural beauty of the place and the tribal coracle riding expertise for introducing jungle eco tourism was materialized by the forest department, Coimbatore during 2007. A research study was conducted during 2012 with the objective of studying the impact of BJET project on the socio-economic development of tribal community there. A sample of 20 coracle drivers and SHG women was considered for the study. Through personal interview schedule data was collected and analysed with relevant tools. The project impact factors were found out. Relevant suggestions were given to tribal eco tourism committees and the forest department. Forest dept. had provided Rs.3,00,000/- assistance for purchase of coracle and its accessories. The eco tourism package consists of two hour coracle ride on the river and lunch by SHG village women trekking and a cool river bath. It is limited to 80 persons per day and available only on weekend days and government holidays. Up to July 31st 2012, 1765 adults and 2017 children (Total 19,692) had visited BJET. Rs.57,00,000 was fetched by tribal committees. It is used to pay Rs.225 labour to coracle driver and Rs.125 per visitor to Baralikkadu women SHG (food) and the rest to socio-economic activities. Rs.7,87,480 was incurred for social and economic development activities of tribal hamlets from the fund generated. The tribal and forest department partnership for tribal livelihood support through social entrepreneurship and eco tourism has kindled hopes in the minds of the tribals of the Western Ghats. The cascading effect of BJET success is amazing.