Bhubaneswar, Jan 24: On World Tourism Day, Odisha introspects why it stands 17th among the States in attracting tourists even though it has innumerable places of tourism importance.

According to intellectuals, no development happened in the tourism sector in the last 24 years of the BJD government. "24 years is not a small period. The tourism sector could have been developed to generate much revenue to swell the state exchequer. Infrastructures and facilities could have been created to attract tourists from the country and abroad.

But the last government didn't do it," said a professional working in the tourism sector. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said the new BJP government will make all efforts to make Odisha number 3 among the states in attracting tourists.

"All efforts will be made to make Odisha number 3 among the States," said Parida, who holds a tourism portfolio. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said his government is committed to developing the tourism sector in the State.

"The State government is committed to making Odisha Tourism a base of economic growth. Special attention will be given to the tourism section in the annual budget," said the Chief Minister.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said a master plan has been made to upgrade Hirakud Water Reservoir to a world-level tourism spot. A workshop led by Pradhan was held at the Hiradud Eco Retreat on Wednesday. Senior tourism officers of various States and centre attended the workshop. It was revealed that a blueprint has been prepared to upscale Sambalpur, Hirakud, and Debrigarh sanctuary at a cost of over Rs 5,000 crore in the first phase.

Pradhan and tourism officers visited these above places by helicopter. Debrigarh Sanctuary, Barpahada, and Hirakud water reservoir will be made separate zones and development work will be undertaken separately. Besides, Jamadarpali Airstrip will be developed to create connectivity.

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