Bhubanswar: The State Government is planning to organise “eco-retreat” projects at different other places on the coast as part of its effort to promote Odisha tourism at the national level, informed Tourism Minister Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi in the State Assembly on Thursday.
“After we got tremendous success in orgainising a eco-treat centre at Konark this year, we have planned to organise such projects at other places. Spots are being identified now,” said the Minister.
Replying to a question of BJD member Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, Panigrahi claimed that the Chief Minister has given top priority to the sector. The budgetary allocation for Tourism Department has been doubled in 2020-21 compared to 2019-20. The Samuka project, which had remained inoperative for the last 10 days, would be revived in the coming year, he said.
While Nayak proposed to provided floating jetty, drinking water and speed boat facilities at Hukitola, the Minister said the Government would consider the proposal and take appropriate steps in coming days.
Hukitola, which is situated near the Jamboo island, was given the status of a tourism spot in 2014. Since then, a total of Rs 1.03,93,138 has been spent for revival of old buildings under the ICZMP funded by the World Bank. A boat is now ferrying in the river between Jamboo and Hukitola.
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