Newz Desk, Durgapur: Deep inside the forested hills of Belpahari lies a mystery the locals rarely speak of—certain mountains where the Lodha Shabar tribal community strongly warns tourists not to venture. These include Khun Dungri, Kanyaluka and Rajabasa hills, where a wild shrub known locally as “Chandoa” grows in abundance. Its sweet, intoxicating scent can blur vision, cloud judgment and cause people to lose consciousness.
The Lodha Shabar community, residing in the remote village of Amarola surrounded by dense forests and rugged hills, says that even experienced foragers avoid these spots unless absolutely necessary. For outsiders, the danger is far greater.
A Fragrant Shrub That Can Cause Disorientation
According to villagers, Chandoa shrubs sprout thickly among tall grass, thorny bushes and shadowy forest patches. When its aroma hits the nose, they say, one may become dizzy or lose awareness, making it easy to get lost in the forest’s maze-like terrain. Several cases have occurred where villagers wandering close to these areas lost their sense of direction and had to be rescued.
“Chandoa has many variants. Some are harmless, but a few can be extremely dangerous,” said Bhoteram Shabar, a 50-year-old resident. “A whiff can blur your vision and cause a trance-like state. We always warn tourists not to go to those hills.”
Medicinal Knowledge Passed Down Generations
The Lodha Shabars depend heavily on forest produce for survival—collecting sal leaves, edible tubers, ant eggs, and especially medicinal plants.
Alongside the dangerous Chandoa, the same hills are home to powerful medicinal species like Vishalyakarani, Ashalyakarani, Dogar, Patalfur, Banmuruni and Kudri, all used in traditional tribal healing.
When villagers fall ill, they often rely on these herbal remedies rather than modern medical care. Only the younger generation has recently begun turning to hospitals.
Secrets of the Forest
Despite their warnings to tourists, the Lodha Shabars keep many of their medicinal plants a closely guarded secret. These shrubs and roots are deeply embedded in their cultural and survival practices.
Belpahari resident and researcher Bidhan Debnath, who has long studied the region’s tribal communities, said:
“Lodha Shabars are what we classify as a Primitive Tribal Group (PTG). They possess a rich, traditional knowledge system about medicinal plants. During the Covid pandemic, their villages remained largely unaffected because they used the herbs they have relied on for generations.”
He added that the community’s practical herbal knowledge deserves deeper research and documentation.
Tourists Urged to Stay Away from Hazard Zones
Villagers insist that the dangerous hills must not be treated as adventure spots.
“There are places where even we hesitate to go,” said Bhairav Shabar. “How will tourists handle them? The forest does not forgive mistakes.”
With increasing tourist interest in Belpahari’s natural beauty, the Lodha Shabar community hopes officials and visitors will take their warnings seriously, prioritising safety over thrill.
As Belpahari gains attention for both its beauty and its hidden dangers, the age-old wisdom of its tribal inhabitants may be the key to ensuring safe, responsible tourism in the region.
Image courtesy@internet
