New Delhi: Mayurbhanj MP Ramchandra Hansdah Friday urged the Centre to take necessary steps to promote eco-tourism spots in Simlipal
sanctuary.
Speaking during the Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, the suspended BJD MP said that promotion of eco-tourism in the area will benefit the tribals in the region.
“There are 18 biosphere reserves corresponding to IUCN Category V Protected Areas and Simlipal is one of them. Simlipal Sanctuary could not be declared as a national park, as around 64 families are staying inside it. The core area could not be relocated,” said Hansdah.
He further said that the protection of the sanctuary could only be assured if the government provides sustainable livelihood to the inhabitants residing there.
“Biosphere reserves are meant for protecting larger areas of natural habitats, not only the flora and fauna, but also the symbiotic existence of the people in the area. Protection of the sanctuary can only be assured if we could provide sustainable livelihood to the inhabitants residing inside the biosphere region. Therefore, the development of eco-tourism spots inside the region is very essential. If the Ministry of Tourism or Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change pay enough attention to develop tourism in the Simlipal area, it will be possible to ensure the livelihood for many people,” he added.
GST compensation: Centre pays `2,546cr to state
New Delhi: The Union government said that it has paid `2,546 crore to Odisha as Goods and Sevices Tax (GST) compensation during the 11 month period between July 2017 and May 2018.
As per the data tabled by the Minister of State for Finance Shiv Pratap Shukla, the government has given `2,264 crore for the period between July 2017 and March 2018. While `282 crore was given for the period April-May.
Notably, the Centre has paid `52,077 crore as GST compensation to all the states during the 11 month period.
The ministry’s response came in the wake of a question asked by Biju Janata Dal MP Bhartruhari Mahtab seeking details of the compensation paid to the states/UTs for the reported revenue deficit on account of GST implementation.
