Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday shot off a letter to his Cabinet colleague G Kishan Reddy for a special package for development of tourism infrastructure and facilities in Odisha’s Sambalpur and Deogarh districts, especially covering the birthplace of Veer Surendra Sai, Khinda.
He said that Sambalpur has remained unexplored compared to coastal districts like Puri and Bhubaneswar despite having the world’s longest Hirakud dam on the Mahanadi, and the Leaning Temple of Huma. “The city is known for traditional handicrafts, textiles, and sarees. The Sambalpurl sarees and textiles are famous worldwide, and tourists can visit the Sambalpuri
Bastralaya to learn about weaving techniques and purchase authentic products,” he added.
Writing about Deogarh, Dharmendra said that this beautiful town is nestled amidst forests, waterfalls, and scenic landscapes. “It is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts who can explore the hills, forests, and waterfalls. The Pradhanpat Waterfall, a
breathtaking waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, is a must-visit here. Additionally, Deogarh is home to several ancient
temples and forts, such as Deogarh Palace and Gopinath Tempte, that serve as a testament to the region’s glorious past,” he said.
The Union Minister further said that Khinda, a small village in Odisha, is the birthplace of Veer Surendra Sai, a legendary figure in the Indian freedom struggle. “He led the revolt against the British Empire in 1857 and was imprisoned for more than 40 years. PM Modi honoured the memory of Veer Surendra Sai by naming the Jharsuguda Airport after him. His birthplace is an important destination for history enthusiasts who can learn about his life and struggle for Indian independence,” he wrote.
The development of tourism infrastructure and promotion of these destinations can significantly boost the local economy, create job opportunities, and help in preserving the cultural and natural heritage of the region, he added.
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