A commendable initiative by the Forest Department in Sukma district has set a new example of development and rehabilitation. Developed under the guidance of Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, the Tungal Eco-Tourism Center has become a symbol of self-reliance and social change.
Located just one kilometer from Sukma town, this site was previously neglected and dilapidated, but through the efforts of the Forest Department, it has been developed into a beautiful tourist destination. The attractive islands and natural environment created here now attract not only locals but also tourists from the neighboring state of Odisha.
The center’s most significant initiative is the “Tungal Nature Café,” run by 10 women from the “Surrender Rehabilitation Women’s Self-Help Group.” Five of these women have surrendered to Naxalism, while five have been affected by Naxal violence. All of them have been prepared for employment through specialized training at institutions in Jagdalpur and Sukma.
Today, these women confidently welcome tourists and live respectable lives. Women who once lived in an environment of struggle and fear have now become examples of self-reliance and self-respect.
The success of this tourist center can be gauged from the fact that in just three months since its opening on December 31, 2025, through March 30, 2026, it has received 8,889 visitors. During this period, the center generated revenue of approximately 2.92 lakh rupees.
Visitors are enjoying delicious local cuisine and experiencing exciting activities such as kayaking, paddle boating, and bamboo rafting at Tunggal Dam.
This initiative proves that with the right guidance and opportunity, one can change the course of life. The Tungal Eco-Tourism Center is not only a tourist destination, but also a symbol of the courage and confidence of these women and the visionary thinking of the Forest Department.
This story teaches us that by combining nature conservation with human development, positive change can be achieved in society. This center has emerged as a shining example in the changing landscape of Bastar.