Villagers from Shananoor near the adjoining Narnala sanctuary, situated in Akola District of Maharashtra, have scripted a unique success story. The village’s eco-development committee (EDC) earned Rs 65,000 by providing various services to tourists during the annual Narnala Festival, held from January 29 to 31.

”EDC provided tourist guide and managed vehicle parking, catering and cleanliness of premises to earn the money,” said Field Director AK Mishra. “Some youth of Amona and Barukheda worked as tourist guides.”

Over 1,800 tourists enjoyed the festival and the scenic Naranala landscape. “Apart from earning this handsome revenue, the main gain was boosting the confidence of EDC in organising such events as equal partners of district administration and Forest Department,” Mishra said.

The 12-sq km Narnala sanctuary is the smallest in the state, but had the presence of a tigress with three cubs till last year. “The cubs have since dispersed to other areas and the tigress is still there,” says Reddy, who now is DCF, Nagzira, in Gondia.