Bhubaneswar: Beating the economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Odisha eco-tourism recorded 96% growth in footfalls and 49% growth in revenue generation in the last two years.
This was revealed at a high-level meeting held on digital mode under the chairmanship of chief secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra here on Friday. Review showed that the number of visitors to the eco-destinations in the state increased from 11,500 in 2017-18 to 29,024 in 2018-19 and further to 57,000 in 2020-21.
Similarly, the revenue generated from eco-tourism increased from Rs 3.4 crore in 2017-18 to Rs 5.61 crore in 2018-19 and further to Rs 8.32 crore in 2020-21.
Reviewing the progress made so far, the chief secretary directed to expeditiously open the newly developed eco-retreat spots like Nrusinghnath in Bargarh district, Pine forest in Koraput, Patora Dam in Nuapada, Tensa in Sundargarh and Kanjiapani in Kenonjhar district. He also told the officials to develop the new spots either as day tourist spots or as night stay camps depending on the natural uniqueness and tourist attraction potential of the spots.
It was decided at the meeting to develop Sikiri in Phubani forest division, Bhimdunguri eco-site in Bolangir forest division, Baliput eco-site in Satkoshia wildlife division, Phurlijharan waterfall in Kalahandi forest division, Rabandhara waterfall in Kalahandi forest division, Chakuria Ghat eco-centre in Dhenkanal forest division and Dambarugarh eco-site in Boudh forest division.
An action plan of Rs 30 crore was approved for development of new eco-destinations, renovation and up-scaling of existing destinations, completion of the under construction destinations, capacity building and exposure visit of the community members. An estimated budget of Rs 150 lakh was also sanctioned for 25 forest divisions for implementation of COVID prevention SOP.
Additional chief secretary, Forest and Environment Dr Mona Sharma, principal chief conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Shashi Paul along with senior officers of concerned departments participated in the deliberations.
