Bhubaneswar: Odisha government on Monday unveiled a mega plan for the development of the tourism sector in the State. While presenting the budget for 2025-26 in Odisha Assembly, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi informed that Chilika Lake will be developed as a special tourism zone with integrated master planning for replacement of engines of tourist boats making them more eco-friendly.
Apart from this, a bird museum will also come up in Chilika, announced CM Mohan Majhi.
According to the Chief Minister, efforts are on to position tourism as key driver of Odisha’s economic growth and important aspect for employment generation. An allocation of Rs 820 crore has been made for the tourism sector with focus on infrastructure development, community empowerment and sustainable tourism practices.
The state government has unveiled its plan to develop the Buddhist circuit in Odisha- reviving Udayagiri, Ratnagiri and Lalitgiri while promoting the state’s Buddhist heritage.
“I propose to allocate Rs 355 crore for the integrated development and management of tourism infrastructure. An integrated master plan will be taken up for iconic destinations including Deomali, Dhauli, Chilika, Khandagiri-Udayagiri, Khiching, Satkosia and Similipal with a phased execution over the next 5 years, “said CM Majhi.
The Odisha government will also take up development of hinterland in Western Odisha as special tourism zone, leveraging magnificence of the Hirakud reservoir, breathtaking beauty of forests including Debrigarh and the city of Sambalpur with its legacy of weaving and vibrant Sambalpuri folk dance.
According to CM Majhi, beaches at places like Gopalpur and Paradip will be developed as Blue Flag beaches. Adventure tourism guidelines will be formulated for positioning Odisha as a hub for adventure tourists. District museums will be set up in 10 districts to celebrate the state’s legacy, heritage and promote investment opportunities, the CM added.
