The flushed water from regular Western toilets seeps below the soil through plumbing lines. There is one combined soak pit for three-four toilets put together. Sewage systems like DEWATS for recycling of grey and black water are not feasible at Hodka, says Virmani. “These areas don’t use toilets and the locals are still used to open defecation over large dry lands,” he adds.
Solar energy is used to quite an extent. Earlier, the women used to heat water on wood. Now they use solar energy for it. The next phase is converting lighting in the resort too to solar energy. Right now electricity for rooms is provided by the government.
“Initially, we weren’t sure of the project’s success. Hence, the investment was small – to the tune of Rs50lakhs. We had trained the locals to attend to guests and handle the facilities properly. Basic dining and kitchen facilities for tents were provided then. The first year, 2005, was a trial period. It was successful. We also came to know of the tourist profile that year. So, in the second year, we put up bhungas.”
No chemicals are used at the resort. Even the paintings on the walls are done in six different mud colours. Every year, the local women paint the walls anew. Lacquer work too has natural dyes. Lime plasters are natural too.
Since the last two years, the community has begun managing the resort on its own. “We are out of the picture. Their annual turnover is between Rs20 to Rs25 lakhs and they make a net profit of Rs6 to Rs7 lakhs a year,” says Virmani.
The resort gives employment to 64 local families. Apart from running the resort, they also sell their handicraft and embroidered stuff. Local mojaris, kanjirs (embroidered blouses), quilts, small traditional clutches and leather craft are popular with the guests as are jewellery, hand fans, clay stuff, mirror frames etc. The plant species Prosopis Julifora, locally known as Gando Baawal, that has destroyed the Banni grassland to a great extent, is now converted into charcoal and sold too.
Folk theatre and music as various forms of entertainment are popular with the guests, over 45% of whom are foreigners. The Banni grasslands are a combination of wetland and dry land which make them a successful ecological zone and migratory route for three successful birds – Caspian Sea to Australia, Siberia to Africa and Kashmir to Kutch and back. The locals here also act as guides on wildlife trips on its wetlands, famous for their birds.
Of late, home hospitality too is gaining ground here. The community decides the rate which is, cheaper than the $40 a bhunga for the resort. There are of, course, guidelines for tourists on the use of water, energy and also dress code. No alcohol can be consumed at the resort, nor is smoking allowed inside the bhunga. The elders had raised a concern on the dresses holidayers might wear in the village. Hence, it was decided that no half pants would be allowed in the village. “As it is, people who come here are interested in the culture of the place. They are mentally tuned to respecting the way of life here,” opines Virmani.
Hodka gets a large number of repeat visitors. Also, an Australian Group that caters to women travellers, loves the place and brings visitors on a regular basis here. Sometimes, visitors also take classes in embroidery and artisanship.
Guests love to explore the barren lands, visit artisan communities, go for camel safaris to Black Hill and the Great Rann of Kutch and see wild animals, go bird-watching to the wetlands, visit the Than monastery, take dip in the Mandvi river and go to one of the largest archaeological sites of Indus Valley Civilisation – Dholavira.
The closeness to Pak border was a concern initially. Now, it is an attraction. Discussions were held with the Border Security Force and the Air Force on the issue. So, after seeking the required permit to go beyond this point, a few visitors also go to see the Indo-Pak border.
Vidyottama P Sharma
