Boating Facilities in 100 Spots In Odisha to Promote Eco-Tourism

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is planning to set up more ecotourism sites in various places in the state to be run in the PPP mode.

A high level meeting was held on Friday under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra at Lokseba Bhawan where discussions were held about the providing boating facilities at various eco-tourism sites which could attract tourist attention post covid.

Mahapatra has directed the departments of Forest & Environment, Water Resources and Tourism to identify around 100 spots through joint verification for starting the boating facilities.

The departments were asked to finalize the list in a month. Mahapatra also directed to set the  floating jetties and boats in quick sessions, and the activities should start by December of the current year. 

Chief Secretary made it clear that the locations should be identified on the basis of the objective criteria of their competitiveness for being popularized in the tourism market, and offering exotic experiences to the tourists. 

“Proper choice of the location and their popularization will attract private investment to the sector soon, and that will take the State’s eco-tourism to next higher level,” said Mahapatra. 

He directed to adopt a community management model with appropriate training and orientation to the local community, VSS and WSHG groups for operation and management of the facilities.