“Between Clouds and Carelessness: The Story of Deomali”

“Between Clouds and Carelessness: The Story of Deomal”

Deomali, Odisha’s highest peak and one of its most enchanting natural treasures, is slowly fading from the tourism map — not because nature failed it, but because governance did.

At over 5,500 feet above sea level, Deomali is a marvel of mist, mountain, and melody — where clouds brush the skin, winds whisper through valleys, and sunrises melt into the horizon. Yet, the experience that once left visitors spellbound now leaves them frustrated. The journey to the hilltop has become an ordeal, with broken roads, unfit bridges, and a lack of even the most basic amenities.

The few facilities that exist — bio-toilets and container toilets — are either locked, defunct, or without water. For women and elderly visitors, the situation is especially difficult. What’s more disappointing is the administrative indifference. While officials cite restrictions from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) as an obstacle to building permanent structures, they have done little to create sustainable, eco-friendly solutions within those very guidelines.

The Kotiya Panchayat’s attempt to introduce 150 tents for tourists is commendable, but without proper sanitation and water, even this effort falls short. This neglect not only discourages visitors but also deprives local communities of the economic opportunities that tourism could bring.

Deomali is more than a hill; it is a symbol of Odisha’s natural grandeur and potential for eco-tourism. If developed responsibly — with improved roads, clean water, eco-toilets, and guided trekking facilities — it can become a model of sustainable tourism for the entire state.

The government must recognize that conservation and convenience are not enemies. With careful planning, both can coexist. The call of Deomali’s winds still echoes through the valleys — it’s time the administration listened.