The Eco-Tourism Board meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi on Tuesday decided to develop 30 nature tourism spots in the State and an action plan for this was approved
Approving the project proposals, Padhi directed to plan the projects on self sustaining mode. He also advised the Forest and Environment Department to create more employment opportunities for local youths through these projects. It was decided to keep the nature tourism spots open throughout the year. The Chief Secretary further advised the department to publicize the spots through tour operators, tour websites and hoteliers in national and international forums.
The action plan for 2016-17 for development of these spots with a total estimated cost of around Rs 2,100 lakh was approved in the meeting.
The spots included Mangalajodi and Berhampura under Chilika wild life ( Wl) division, Barakhandia and Dhodrokusum under Hirakud Wl division, Kumari and Jamuani under Baripada Wl , Deras and Godibari under Chandaka Wl, Bichitrapur and Rissia under Baleswar Wl, Bedmul under Mahanadi Wl, Tarava and Chhotkei under Satkosia Wl, Daringibadi and Belghar under Baliguda Wl, Nuanai under Puri Wl, Anjar and Kanjipani under Keonjhar Wl, Dangmal under Rajnagar Wl, Barbara under Khordha Wl, Ansupa under Athgarh Wl, Mandasaru under Phulbani Wl, Ramatirtha under Similipal Wl, Gudugudia under Karanjia Wl, Chahala under Similipal Wl, Saluapali and lasing under Ghumsur North Wl, Jacum under Kalahandi South Wl and Bhimdungri under Bolangir Wl division. It was also decided to prepare a master plan for comprehensive development of the spots.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sidhant Das appraised that the booking for nature-tourism spots has been made on line through the website www.ecotourodisha.com. So far around 1,200 visitors have booked their visit through the site. The portal has also been integrated with billing and payment gate way along with SMS and e-mail information system. Around 27 youths have been trained on hospitality and housekeeping in the Institute of Hotel Management and Nutrition for providing services in the ecotourism spots.
Principal Secretary Tourism Arti Ahuja, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests SS Srivastav along with tour operators and hoteliers participated.