Bhubaneswar: Chief Secretary AP Padhi on Friday directed the Forests and Environment Department to make ecotourism remunerative and sustainable through professional management across the State.
Padhi directed this while reviewing the eco-tourism developmental works at the State Secretariat. He too emphasised on creation of adequate facilities and promotion of the eco-tourism to attract more tourists.
Development Commissioner R Balkrishnan suggested putting in place standard operating procedure at the eco-tourism sites.
A total of revenue of Rs 1.57 crore has been collected from 26 ecotourism sites through online booking, informed Forests and Environment Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra. A total of 288 Vana Samiti members have been engaged at these sites, informed PCCF Sandeep Tripathy.
While it was revealed that infrastructure, including tent-cottages having all facilities, has been created at 19 ecotourism sites, the Chief Seretary directed the authorities to implement them this tourism season.
It was too revealed that infrastructure has been renovated at 10 places at a total cost of Rs 3 crore. Projects have been undertaken for creation of facilities at Dangamal and Habelikati in Rajnagar, Kumari in Karanjia, Jamunai in Rairangpur, Debrigarh in Hirakud, Deras and Godibari in Chandaka, Chtotakei in Satakosia and Ansupa lake in Athagarh at a total cost of rs 8.05 crore. Besides, projects of a total cost of Rs 14.39 crore have been undertaken at 16 new ecotourism sites. Of them, works have been completed at 10 places.
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