Kendrapara: Union Minister Petroleum, Natural Gas and Steel, Dharmendra Pradhan has lauded efforts of Odisha Government in setting up Eco-Retreats to attract tourists.
Mr.Pradhan accompanied by Principal Secretary Tourism and Sports, Vishal Kumar Dev went to Bhitarkanika Eco-Retreat Camp and stayed there and enjoyed the environment and facilities.
He mingled with the tourists, who came to enjoy the stay in an Eco-Friendly Environment. They appreciated the arrangements in Eco-Retreat.
Mr.Pradhan has always appreciated Eco-Retreat Initiative of the Odisha Tourism as in 2019, he went and spent night at Konark Eco-Retreat Camp and praised the move.
Union Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Dekho apna Desh” initiative has unleashed a great interest among the people of the country to visit various places of tourist interest.
And Odisha Government’s initiative of Eco-Retreat is a positive step in this regard, said Union Minister.
He also visited the national Park of Bhitar Kanika and said he will draw attention of Pralhad Patel, Union Minister Tourism and Culture and Union Minister Environment, Forest , Prakash Javadekar to rope in Government of India’s support to Bhitarkanika to attract more footfalls.
Union Minister said, the Centre will extend all possible support to the state for improving tourism infrastructure at Bhitarkanika National Park and Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Kendrapara district.
“Eco-Tourism will be further developed here without causing damage to vegetation and wildlife,” he said.
Eco-Tourism in Bhitarkanika will generate employment opportunities for women and youths, fishermen, boatmen, and lead to socio-economic development of villages lying in the fringes of the national park, he added.
“Dense mangrove forests, exciting trekking trails, birds chirping in colonies, creeks and canals teeming with wildlife Bhitarkanika National Park spoils you for choices. An off-the-beaten track, a visit to Bhitarkanika is a must during this time of the year”, Mr.Pradhan tweeted after visiting the National Park.
Later addressing Media after visiting Bhitarkanika National Park, Union Minister Mr.Pradhan said here Sunday the coastal highway project worth Rs 7,500 that will link Gopalpur in Odisha and Digha in West Bengal will boost infrastructure and economy of Odisha.
The Minister said that the 452-km long highway will emerge as an economic corridor for the transport of agricultural and pisciculture produce to Paradip and Dhamra ports
“It will also act as a protective barrier for vulnerable seaside villages from the onslaught of cyclones and floods,” the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas said.