Encroachment A major threat to Tatamari eco-tourism centre
   Date :07-Feb-2021

Hundreds of people_1 
 Hundreds of people queuing up outside the temple.
 
By Roshan Chachane ;
 
RAIPUR,
 
Blessed with rich flora and fauna, serene Tatamari hillock nestled in the Keshkal valley is facing a serious threat on its natural resources owing to encroachment. Forest and Climate Change Department is developing Tatamari as an eco-tourism centre as it possesses diverse variety of wild flora and fauna such as rabbits, pheasants, hyena, Cheetal/Sambhar and other types of wild animals. Some of these animals are now taking shelter at Tatamari because it is secluded from population. But, some people are trying to expand a small ancient temple in a bid to occupy larger area to make a permanent settlement for humans.
 
A Keshkal-based senior scribe Krishendutt Upadhyay told ‘The Hitavada’ that there are old religious places scattered in forests all across Bastar division, where people come to worship, but never try to expand any further into adjoining jungles. Keshkal valley also has its fair share of temples such deities as Maa Telinsatti, Maa Bhangaram Devi and a Shivlinga at Gadhanaura Gobarhin. The temple of Maa Laxmi located atop Tatamari hill wasn’t revealed to people until a local priest Thakur Babu discovered it first. Most locals avoided going to Tatamari hill barring some to pick fruits like Tendu, Harra and Mokaiah. But it all changed once the Shaktipeeth of Maa Laxmi was discovered.
 
People started frequenting the hill top more often and started performing rituals in 1991-92. Krishendutt Upadhyay, a Janpad member at the time, and Janpad Vice-President Ahmed Qureshi had first proposed for developing eco-tourism centre at Tatamari, but the department didn’t pay much heed. Tatamari can host adventure sports like Paragliding, Para-surfing, tracking etc and also a perfect place to spot wild animals. So far, Forest Department showed sensitivity towards the faith of people and allowed to build a small structure, but now when they are trying to expand the temple premises further, the department has taken a tough stance.
 
The issue became even murkier with the involvement of politicians. Settlement of people will prove disastrous for the ecology of Tatamari. Domesticated animals like dogs will scare away small and carnivores from the area. Krishendutt Upadhyay, has written a letter to Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) bringing the issue to his notice. Talking to ‘The Hitavada’, Kanker Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF) SSD Badgaiya said they have taken strict action to stop any further expansion of religious structure. Soon, a wall will be built around the structure. CCF Badgaiya said that Tatamari will soon be developed as an eco-tourism centre.