Eco-Cultural Landscape Development to Promote Sustainable Tourism: Madkudweep, Chhattisgarh

Abstract

Madku Dweep, a 24 hectare island in Chhat t isgarh, is renowned for its ancient temples and historical and archaeological signif icance. Named af ter a monk, it is located near the Shivnath river and is 40 km f rom Mungeli. Archaeologists have excavated 19 temples, with eight facing east and the middle facing west . The island hosts signif icant cultural events such as the Mahotsav fest ival in February, Mahashivratri and Hanuman Jayant i fest ivals, and a Christ ian fair. The island is considered a Shiva area since ancient t imes and is known for pre-historic stone tools and two stone inscript ions. I t is also known for its religious harmony and the creat ion of new temples. The island also has an ecological importance, with evergreen trees of Chiraut (Sirhut) prominent . The natural features of the land were neglected in favour of building a tent city during the fair and fest ivals. Soi l erosion, river silt ing, and the direct disposal of waste on land and in water were among the problems caused by the removal of trees, the construct ion of concrete plinths, and other earth disturbances. The project aims to establish a harmonious connect ion between cultural landscapes and sustainable tourism, emphasizing their role in preserving ecology, promot ing eco-conscious travel, and promot ing a balanced, inclusive approach that benef its both tourists and local communit ies. The goal is to restore Madkudweep’s ecosystem. Act ive engagement and part icipat ion of local communit ies and strategies for controlled tourism based on ecology. The methodology includes the study of geographical set t ing, historical landscape associat ion of Madkudweep, dai ly associat ions of nearby vil lages, and landscape associat ions with stakeholders and tourists, while also analysing topography, slope, soil, vegetat ion, hydrology, land use, and water quality. I t aims to create an inclusive eco-cultural landscape development framework, focusing on ident ifying and protect ing ecologically sensit ive zones and developing sustainable tourism models.