Telangana Turns Former Naxal Zones into Tourism Hubs with ‘Giri Darshak’ Initiative

In a decisive shift from conflict to development, the Telangana Government has launched the Giri Darshak initiative , a pioneering programme aimed at transforming regions once affected by Left Wing Extremism into centres of tourism-led growth and social inclusion . The initiative focuses on creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for tribal youth while reinforcing long-term peace and stability in remote areas.

At a formal event in Hyderabad, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy handed over appointment letters to 20 tribal youth from Mulugu and Bhadradri Kothagudem districts, inducting them as “Giri Darshaks” (tourist guides) . Significantly, several among the selected candidates are former Maoist cadre who surrendered, underscoring the programme’s role as a rehabilitation pathway into mainstream society.

The initiative adopts a convergent, multi-departmental approach led by the Telangana Police , in coordination with the Forest, Tourism, Endowments Departments, and ITDA. It aligns with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs’ classification of Mulugu and Bhadradri Kothagudem as “Legacy and Thrust districts” regions now considered completely free from Naxal insurgency . This shift has enabled the government to pivot from security-centric operations to development-first strategies .

At its core, the Giri Darshak programme is designed to achieve a three-fold objective : generate reliable livelihoods , strengthen community-police trust , and promote eco-tourism and pilgrimage circuits as drivers of regional economic growth. By engaging local tribal youth as professional guides and community facilitators , the initiative ensures that tourism development remains community-centric and inclusive , while also enhancing law and order and visitor safety in previously sensitive zones.

A key strength of the programme lies in leveraging the deep local knowledge of tribal youth particularly those familiar with forest terrain, cultural traditions, and heritage sites to deliver an authentic and safe tourist experience. At the same time, their role as intermediaries helps improve state outreach in remote villages, reducing historical mistrust and encouraging greater civic participation.

The 20 selected candidates underwent nearly a month of intensive training , covering tour guiding skills, visitor etiquette, heritage and ecological awareness, safety protocols, and first aid response . This structured training has equipped them not only as guides but as skilled tourism professionals and cultural ambassadors .

Officials indicate that each Giri Darshak will receive a monthly honorarium of around ₹10,000 and will operate in uniformed roles , reinforcing professionalism and accountability. They will be deployed on a rotational basis across key tourism circuits, including heritage, eco-tourism, and pilgrimage destinations. High-footfall locations such as Bhadrachalam Temple , Ramappa Temple , and Laknavaram Lake are expected to benefit significantly from their services.

The government is also planning to expand the initiative to additional districts , with the current batch of Giri Darshaks expected to evolve into “trainers of trainers” , ensuring scalability and long-term impact. This positions the programme not merely as a pilot, but as a replicable governance model .

Beyond employment generation, the initiative carries a powerful symbolic transformation individuals once associated with insurgency are now becoming custodians of tourism, culture, and public safety . By converting former conflict zones into vibrant travel destinations , Telangana is demonstrating how development can serve as a tool for conflict resolution .

As the state integrates livelihood creation, skill development, and tourism promotion , the Giri Darshak initiative stands out as a forward-looking model of inclusive governance one that has the potential to serve as a national template for tribal empowerment and regional development .