Bhubaneswar: The Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned nearly Rs.127 Crore for development of Tourism Projects in Odisha.
G Kisan Reddy in a reply to MamataMohanta in RajyaSabha has said that for development of Coastal Circuit covering Gopalpur, Barkul, Satpada and Tampara Rs.70.82 Crore has been sanctioned.
This funds are given under SwdeshDarshan Program.
Similarly, MoT has funded Rs.50 Crorefro Infrastructure Development of Puri Shree JagannathDham and Ramchandi.
Development at Prachi River Front atDeuli Mega Circuit is being taken up.
MoTunder its schemes of SwadeshDarshan and National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) provides financial assistance to State Government and Central Agency.
Funds are allocated for development of tourism infrastructure in the State.
The projects sanctioned under the Schemes are identified for development in consultation with the State Government and are sanctioned subject to availability of funds, submission of suitable Detailed Project Reports and adherence to Scheme Guidelines.
The selection of places for promotion & development as tourist sites is the primarily responsibility of the State Government.
Ministry of Tourism has also extended financial assistance for the development of Puri Railway Station under Assistance to Central Agencies Scheme on 50:50 cost sharing basis with Ministry of Railways.
Ms.Mohanta wanted to know whether any scheme to promote tourism in Mayurbhanj district in Odisha and other districts is being prepared keeping in view the great potential of tourism in the district.
However there has been no sanction so far done in this regard, said sources.