While Deomali, Odisha’s highest peak, continues to attract nature lovers and adventure tourists, it is the effort of local youth entrepreneurs that has significantly boosted tourism in the region in recent years.

However, local youth entrepreneurs say a recent ban on private tent setups has jeopardised both their livelihoods and the tourism growth they helped create.

More than 40 local youths gathered at the District Collector’s office Saturday to protest the decision, which they said has left them jobless.

For years, government initiatives to promote tourism at Deomali have progressed slowly, with limited tourism infrastructure and visitor facilities.

In contrast, local youths began offering camping tents, food services, and tourist assistance, efforts that quickly turned Deomali into

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