The natural endowments of Kandhamal district would be developed into a tourist treasure with different types of activities, said Principal Adviser to Chief Minister and Chairman WODC Asit Tripathy after a visit to the district and reviewing its tourism potential with senior officers of the district at Phulbani on Saturday.
Tripathy said, “Kandhamal district is full of scenic beautifies. Its hill ranges are a part of the great Eastern Ghats. Last year, an eco-retreat camp was held at Darngibadi and it got encouraging response. This year, more eco-retreat camps will be arranged at attractive spots. It has been planned to continue retreat camps for five years so that tourists, tour operators and the businessmen associated with tourism will get a scope to expand their activities.”
Tripathy directed the district Collector to identify the roads connecting to the dazzling waterfalls like Kuturi, Putudi and Katramal. These roads would be developed to attract more tourists to these spots. The Forest Department was asked to develop the roads in a time-bound manner for use of the tourists during the coming winter season. The department was also asked to arrange more eco camps in the district.
Looking into the art and culture treasure of the district, Tripathy asked the district administration to identify a proper place for establishing a district museum.
The Superintendent of Police was directed to promote the district as a biking circuit linking it with Chandaka in Bhubaneswar. The SP was advised to develop the facility in coordination with Biking Clubs at State and national levels. It was decided to start a biking festival along with the eco-camps during the coming winter.
Collector D Brunda, SP Vinit Agrawal, ADM Basant Kumar Sahoo and District Tourist Officer AK Barik participated in the meeting.