Bhubaneswar, July 16: Sambalpur MP and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Tuesday wrote to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charna Majhi, requesting him to consider the 'Riverfront Development Project' in Sambalpur for the district's economic growth. 

"Like Sabarmati, Kashi, and Varanasi, Sambalpur's 'Old Ayodhya Sagar Embankment' should be developed under the 'Riverfront Development Project'. Rivers and historic places of Odisha should be developed under the project as part of the Narendra Modi government's 'Virasat Bhi- Vikash Bhi' Mantra," wrote Pradhan. 

He noted that Sambalpur offers a golden opportunity to transform the riverside areas into a sustainable riverfront project. 

"Facilities such as parks, walkways, gyms, amphitheaters, 'aarti' ghats, and riverside bathing points can be created," he suggested. 

The Union Minister further noted that Sambalpur would enrich the cultural framework and increase the spiritual and recreational attractions.