Bhubaneswar: The State Government with funding from Centre would develop Hirakud reservoir area, Satkosia tiger reserve as world class tourist destinations, revealed Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati here today.
While addressing the budget session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, the Governor said, “I am pleased to inform you that my Government has successfully secured approval from the Government of India for development of the Hirakud and Satkosia projects.”
Under Part-III of the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment for 2024-25, Odisha will receive a 50-year interest-free Special Assistance of Rs 200 crore, he said.
This significant support will propel the transformation of these two iconic tourist destinations, elevating them to a global standard, he said.
Dr.Kambhampati said his Government has been making sincere efforts to promote Shree Jagannath culture by establishing a Corpus Fund of Rs 500 crore.
To facilitate ease of entry into the premises of Shree Mandir, all four sacred Temple Gates have been opened. Honouring the faith and sentiment of devotees, the sealed chamber of inner Ratna Bhandar has also been opened with the help of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The State Government has also taken steps to renovate the Ratna Bhandar, he said.
“Reviving Odia Asmita, conservation, protection and advancement of the State’s art, architecture, language, literature and culture as well as legacy are my Government’s top priorities,” he said, adding, the Government has also decided to create an initial Corpus Fund of Rs 200 crore for Odia Asmita to undertake specific interventions.
The year 2024 has been a landmark year for Odisha, marked by transformative strides in governance, development, and global recognition. The Government has also taken vigorous and successful steps to promote growth and create employment for the citizens, the Governor said.
Despite its glorious past as a thriving centre of overseas trade, rich mineral reserves, and abundant human resources, for many years post-independence, Odisha struggled to fulfil its immense potential, he pointed out.
“The people of Odisha, with hope in their hearts and a vision for the future, opted for change over continuity in the 2024 General Election. Tired of waiting for a transformation that never seemed to come, they embraced the promise of my Government that they would listen, understand, and act. Their vote was not just a political decision – it was a declaration of faith,” the Governor said.
With the mandate of the people and a determined vision for the future, the new Government shouldered the onerous responsibility of taking the state forward in the path of prosperity, he added.