The State Government has planned to set up a Gandhi circuit to promote tourism.Tourism and Culture Minister Ashok Panda informed the State Assembly on Wednesday that plans are afoot to set up memorials at the places in the State which the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi had visited.
“A circuit would be set up to link these memorials,” he said while replying to a question by BJD member Pravat Biswal. Panda said Gandhiji, who started his Padayatra from Puri, visited several places including Chandanpur, Harekrushnapur, Sakhigopal, Kadua Ashram, Dandamukundapur, Pipili, Balakati, Satyabhamapur, Balianta, Telengapentha and Kajipatna before having a night halt at the Swaraj Ashram in Cuttack.
Stating that his department has opened a reception centre, a park and a public centre at the Gandhi Smruti Peeth at Telengapentha, he said `1.44 crore has been approved for maintenance and development of the Swaraj Ashram.
“There is no problem of linking the proposed circuit to the places Gandhiji had visited. However, a proposal for linking these places should be submitted to the State Government by the district Collectors,” the Minister pointed out. The move is expected to give a boost to tourism in the State contributing to economy of the State.