Telangana Govt Trains Tribal Youth from Former LWE-hit Areas as Tourist Guides

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Tuesday handed over appointment letters to 20 tribal youths from areas previously affected by Naxalism, appointing them as ‘Giri Darshaks’ (tourist guides).

The ‘Giri Darshaks’ initiative represents a convergent, multi-departmental approach undertaken by the Telangana Police in coordination with the Forest, Tourism, Endowment Departments and ITDA. Official sources said the project aims to promote sustainable tourism and facilitate socio-economic reintegration of tribal communities in the “Legacy and Thrust” areas of Mulugu and Bhadradri Kothagudem.

MHA has classified Mulugu and Bhadradri Kothagudem as “Old and Pushy” districts. An “Old and Pushy region” is a region completely free from Naxal insurgency. It was stated that the initiative encourages community participation as professional tourist guides in ecotourism and pilgrimage activities to promote sustainable regional development, maintain general law and order and provide a safe environment for tourists.

They said the main objectives of Giri Darshaks are to engage local tribal youths as professional guides and community facilitators and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for unemployed tribal youths.

Other objectives include strengthening community-police trust and “increasing state presence” in remote tribal areas, and positioning Mulugu and Bhadradri Kothagudem districts as models for tourism-led inclusive development. A training program covering tour guiding, etiquette, heritage information, security and first aid was implemented for 20 young people for approximately one month.

Sources said they will be deployed on a rotational basis across heritage, eco-tourism and pilgrimage tours to facilitate tourist movement.