Bhubaneswar : Odisha eco-tourism has recorded a growth of 96 per cent in footfalls
and 49 per cent in revenue generation in the last two years.
A high level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary S C Mohapatra on digital mode revealed that the number of tourists visiting the eco tourism centres increased from 11,500 in 2017-18 to 57,000 in 2020-21
During the period the revenue generated from eco tourism centres increased from Rs 3.40 crore
in 2017-18 to Rs 8.32 crore during 2020-21.
Reviewing the progress of five newly developed eco tourism centres at Nrusinghnath in Baragarh District, the Paine forest of Koraput, Patora dam of Nuapada, Tensa in Sundergarh district and Kanjiapani at keonjhar , the Chief Secretary directed the officials to upload the details about the
centres in website and open it for tourists at the earliest.
A decision was taken taken to develop the Paine forest at Kalinga Ghati, Deomali hill top, Damburgarha and Jakham of Kalahandi as night halt eco tourism centres.
In addition to it the meeting also decided to develop eco tourism centres at Sikri of Phulabani
forest division, Bhim Dunguri of Bolangir Forest Division, Baliput of Satkosia , Phuljharan and Ravandhar stream of Kalahandi , Chakuria ghat of Dhenkanal and Damabarugada in Boudh
Forest Division.
The meeting approved a Rs 30 crore proposal for the development of new eco tourism centres, renovation of existing ones, completion of under construction destinations and capacity building of community members.
A sum of Rs 150 crore was sanctioned at the meeting to 25 Forest Divisions for implementation
of Covid SOP.
UNI
