Kandhamal MP Dr Achyuta Samanta on Friday met Union Tourism and Culture Minister Prahallad Patel in New Delhi and submitted a memorandum demanding inclusion of world-famous incredible tourist and heritage centres of Odisha in the list of Iconic Tourist Destinations.
The Minister assured Samanta to consider the matter, saying, “Personally, I agree with your feelings and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has also written to the Government of India regarding it. You have also raised the issued in Parliament and submitted memorandum to me. I will consider the matter.”
Dr Samanta on Thursday had raised the issue of iconic tourist destinations in Parliament during the Zero Hour. In Odisha, there are so many world famous and incredible tourist and heritage destinations like Konark, Puri, Chillika, Bhiratkanika, Shimilpal, but it is a matter of regret none of these have got place in the list, he added.
Notably, none of the tourist and heritage spoits of Odisha has been included in the list of Iconic Tourist Destinations declared recently by the Government of India.