The Samikhsya Bureau
BHUBANESWAR: With overwhelming results from eco-retreat interventions in post-lockdown scenario, Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra, on Friday, directed the Departments of Tourism, Forest and Environment and Water Resources to identify more locations to increase nature tourism activities in the state.
He was reviewing the present state and future prospect of nature tourism in the state in a high level meeting held in Lokseba Bhawan.
Principal Secretary Tourism Sri Vishal Dev outlined the issues for discussion.
Reviewing state’s potential, the Chief Secretary directed the District Collectors to identify locations for setting up of round-the-year eco-retreat sites, nature camps, day destinations, river cruise, boating, jungle safari and wildlife sighting towers.
“Selection of the appropriate site for nature tourism is very crucial for taking it to next level”, he emphasised.
The proposals regarding scaling up of eco-tourism activities at Talasari, Konark, Satpada, Chandipur, Debrigarh, Bhitarkanita, Similipal, Daringibadi, Astarang, Satkosia gorge, Tikarpada, Hirakud, Chilika and Nalabana were discussed in the meeting.
Mohapatra directed to demarcate tourism zones in forest areas, list out the dams, river stretches and water bodies having good potential for boating, water boats, cruises and placement of houseboats.
The Collectors were also asked to identify suitable locations near major tourist destinations for development of tourist stay and convenience project sites by IDCO.
It was decided that the diesel motor boats engaged in tourist sites would be converted to CNG mode.
Additional Chief Secretary Forest & Environment Dr Mona Sharma, present in the meeting, was advised to start nature camps in about 40 new locations during the year.
It was also decided to invite more private sector investment for making the nature tourism activity more competitive and employment generating.
