Bhubaneswar: The state government has allocated Rs820 crore, focusing on infrastructure development, group empowerment, and sustainable tourism. A new independent tourism sector will be developed in the interior regions of Western Odisha, which will include:
Special development of the Buddhist Circuit, incorporating Hirakud Reservoir and Debrigarh Jungle.
Integrated plans will be made for the development of destinations like Deomali, Dhauli, Chilika, Khandagiri-Udayagiri, Kiching, Satkosia, and Similipal, to be implemented within the next five years.
Gopalpur and Paradip beaches will work towards achieving Blue Flag beach certification.
Heritage and tourism complexes will be built across 10 districts.
Chilika Lake will be developed into an independent tourism zone, and a bird sanctuary will be established in the area. Environmental-friendly changes will be made to tourist boats’ engines.
To fulfill the wishes of poor devotees, the state government has launched the ‘Shree Jagannath Darshan Scheme’. A budget of Rs30 crore has been allocated for this initiative. Under this scheme, devotees from various districts can travel to Puri by bus, visit Lord Jagannath, and have Mahaprasad.
Additionally, Rs225 crore will be allocated for the development of the Ma Tarini Temple complex in Ghatguda, Kendujhar district. The scheme also includes the development of Mahimagadi in Dhankanal and the construction of a grand open-air auditorium there. The surrounding area of the Sakshi Gopinat Temple in Puri will be enhanced, and 30 women tourist guides will be employed at tourist sites for the safety of tourists.