Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Assembly on Tuesday witnessed heated exchanges after Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia revealed irregularities and financial losses in cottage projects launched by the previous BJD government.
As members raised demands for developing new eco-tourism sites and cottages in various forest regions during the question hour, Singkhuntia said that most of these projects are incurring losses. “Only 10 of eco-tourism facilities across 51 forest divisions are generating profit,” he informed.
On new eco-tourism spots demand, the Minister clarified that the department would consider proposals only after conducting proper feasibility assessments.
He further informed the House that Rs 80 crore was spent on eco-tourism and cottages last year and another Rs 80 crore has been allocated in the current supplementary budget for expanding and strengthening these facilities.
