Koraput,15th Nov 2025: The Putsil Eco-Retreat, which was damaged by Cyclone Mocha, is being renovated again. The Tourism Department is planning to reopen it for tourists from the 15th of this month. However, locals have expressed dissatisfaction because local youths are not getting employment opportunities here. They have warned that if jobs are not provided to local youths from next year, they will launch a protest.
Warning of Protest if Local Youths Don’t Get Jobs
The Putsil Eco-Retreat in Semiliguda block has become a major tourist attraction. As in previous years, the contractor has started work this time as well. The cottages built for tourists were damaged by strong winds during Cyclone Mocha. These cottages are now being reconstructed. A total of 7 premium rooms and 21 deluxe rooms, along with other facilities, are being built. The contractor in charge has been developing the site for the last four years; this is their final year. After this, a new tender may be issued. Since this is the contractor’s last year, they are making independent arrangements, said Abhishek Singh, the operator of Ballali & Kalim, the company holding the lease.
The eco-retreat is being built at Girli Mali, yet it has been named Putsil Eco-Retreat. Locals have been expressing dissatisfaction over this for the past four years. They have submitted a request to the district administration demanding a name change, but no decision has been made. Because local youths are not getting jobs here, members of local youth and women’s associations have raised objections. Social worker Sunam Hantal said that outsiders are coming here and getting work, while local young men are forced to migrate elsewhere for livelihood. If local youths are not given jobs from next year, they will organize a protest. They are also demanding that the retreat be named Girli Mali Eco-Retreat.
Regarding this, District Tourism Officer Talina Pradhani said that the department aims to develop Girli Mali into a beautiful tourist destination. The contractor has been instructed to complete the eco-retreat work within the deadline. The plan is to open it for tourists on the 15th of this month. The officials have been asked to ensure employment opportunities for local youths, and steps are being taken in that direction. Discussions at the state level will be held regarding the name change.
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