Tourist guides and visitors in Bhitarkanika National Park. Telegraph picture

Kendrapara, Aug. 22: The state forest department has engaged a group of local unemployed youths as tourist guides to help out visitors to the Bhitarkanika National Park.

The state has decided to reduce livelihood dependence of the local villagers on forest through a series of self-employment programmes.

In the process, while local guides would get self-employed, tourists could venture into the inaccessible spots under their guidance, said a national park official.

The recruits, armed with their new-found tourist guide status, would earn a decent amount. To ensure that the guides get good return for their job, it has been made mandatory that guides accompany tourist groups.

“We have selected a group of 32 local youths to act as tourist guides. They were imparted necessary training by the department to harness their skill. They are now on the job to guide tourists since August 1,” said Manoj Kumar Mahapatra, divisional forest officer, Rajnagar mangrove (wildlife) forest division.

“We are optimistic that the experiment would taste success. It would give the much-needed boost to tourism-based economy of the region,” Mahapatra said.

As local youths are well versed with the topography of the national park, it is being expected that they would be successful in their new role.

Tourists started visiting the place after the three-month ban in view of the crocodiles’ nesting season had been lifted. The ground-level feedback is that the youths are doing their job well and winning the appreciation of visitors.

The charge of each guide is Rs 100. However, it would vary depending on the time spent and the number of tourists.