Collector’s Tourism Vision Meets Theimli’s Rich Biodiversity, With 160+ Bird Species Adding to Its Charm
In the middle of Gangrel Reservoir, Theimli Island is emerging as a distinctive tourism destination in Dhamtari. Spread across nearly 15 acres, it is the largest of Gangrel’s seven islands and is surrounded by water on all four sides. Its hills, greenery, peaceful surroundings and rich bird diversity make it different from a conventional tourist spot. The district administration, led by Collector Abinash Mishra, is now working to develop the island with better tourist facilities while keeping its natural environment and ecological balance at the centre of the plan.
The tourism push around Theimli Island is part of a wider effort to give Dhamtari a stronger identity as a nature, water and experiential tourism destination. The administration is also looking at tourism as a way to create opportunities for local youth, women’s self-help groups, rural entrepreneurs and businesses.
Theimli is the largest of Gangrel’s seven islands
Gangrel Reservoir has a group of seven small and large islands. These include Theimli, Gundra, Themsara, Nangara, Naktidev, Ramtekari and Satiyara. Among them, Theimli is the largest, covering around 15 acres. The island’s location gives it a distinct character. Water surrounds it from all four sides, while the surrounding hills and greenery create a natural setting for visitors. Reaching the island is also part of the experience. Tourists can take a boat from the Gangrel Dam boating point, which is around 4 kilometres from Theimli Island. The journey through the reservoir, with water, forests and hills around, adds to the appeal of the destination.
More than a scenic spot, Theimli has rich biodiversity
One of the biggest attractions of the Gangrel-Theimli area is its biodiversity. More than 160 bird species are found in the region, including migratory birds that visit the area seasonally. Bird species reported in the area include Grey Heron, Shikra, Egret, Purple Sunbird, Indian Roller, Kentish Plover, Indian Courser, Small Pratincole, Red-crested Pochard, Black Kite and Black-winged Stilt, among others.
The combination of the reservoir, forest areas, hills and greenery provides a natural setting for a wide variety of birds. For visitors, this adds another dimension to the tourism experience. The island is not only about the views of the water and surrounding hills. It also offers an opportunity to experience nature and birdlife closely. The calm surroundings, greenery and bird diversity can make Theimli an important attraction for nature lovers and visitors interested in eco-tourism and bird watching.
Collector Abinash Mishra is giving tourism a wider focusCollector Abinash Mishra is focusing on tourism beyond sightseeing. His approach is to connect tourism with local employment, business and the rural economy. The administration has been engaging hotel, resort and tour operators to understand tourism opportunities and develop new possibilities. The Collector has also inspected ongoing tourism development works around Gangrel Reservoir and Theimli Island.
The focus is on creating a destination where visitors get better facilities and a more organised experience, while local communities can benefit from tourism-related economic activity.
Tourism infrastructure taking shape on the island
Several facilities are being developed at Theimli Island to improve the visitor experience. These include paved pathways, resting areas, seating arrangements, railings, solar lighting, viewpoints and green areas. The administration is also focusing on essential tourist facilities such as drinking water, toilets, parking, waste management, first-aid arrangements and security guards.
Information boards and directional signs are also being planned. Information related to local biodiversity will help visitors understand the natural importance of the area while exploring the island. The Collector has directed officials to ensure that pathway construction follows the approved standard design. Proper slopes and drainage arrangements have also been emphasised to prevent waterlogging during the monsoon. Construction material, safety standards and long-term durability are also being given attention. Regular monitoring has been directed to ensure that the quality of the development work is maintained.
Development with nature at the centre
The administration is making it clear that tourism development should not come at the cost of the island’s natural character. Collector Abinash Mishra has directed the Forest and Panchayat departments to coordinate on plantation of local species, development of green belts and environmental protection measures. The administration has also stressed that all development work should take ecological balance into account so that the natural beauty of Theimli Island remains intact. Biodiversity-related information boards are also part of the plan. The idea is to make visitors aware of the natural environment around them while encouraging responsible tourism.
Collector sees Theimli as a major tourism asset
For Collector Abinash Mishra, Theimli Island has the potential to become an important tourism asset for Dhamtari. The focus is on developing the destination systematically and promoting its unique natural and experiential tourism potential.
“This island has the potential to become Dhamtari’s biggest tourism asset, offering a unique and exceptional tourism experience not only for Chhattisgarh but for the entire country.
It can also attract premium and high-value tourists, creating new opportunities for luxury and experiential tourism. With proper development and promotion, this destination could give Dhamtari a distinctive identity on India’s tourism map and become a landmark attraction for the district.”
From tourism to local opportunitiesThe administration’s larger tourism strategy is aimed at ensuring that tourism generates benefits beyond visitor footfall. Better tourist facilities, promotion and new tourism packages can help visitors spend more time in the area and explore other destinations across Dhamtari. This can create opportunities for local businesses and service providers.
The administration is also looking at water tourism, camping, trekking and other nature-based activities around the district. Theimli Island, with its island setting and biodiversity, fits naturally into this wider tourism vision.
A destination built around water, wildlife and natureTheimli Island brings together several elements that are increasingly important in tourism: water, greenery, wildlife, peaceful surroundings and an experience that is different from a conventional city attraction. Its position as the largest island of Gangrel Reservoir, access through boating and the presence of more than 160 bird species give it a distinctive natural character.
Now, with tourism infrastructure being developed alongside environmental safeguards, the focus is on making Theimli easier to explore without losing what makes it special. For Dhamtari, the island is becoming an important part of a broader tourism story, where development, nature conservation and local economic opportunities are being planned together.
