Bhubaneswar: With a view to promoting eco-tourism in the state, the state government Wednesday decided to develop a centralised online system for accommodation booking at eco-tourist spots.
The decision in this regard was taken at a high level meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi here. Padhi directed the forest and environment (F&E) and tourism departments to develop the online platform within two months.
Reviewing the status of eco-tourism spots, Padhi directed the F & E Department to develop suitable facilities including waste disposal provision at eco-tourism spots. He focused on development of basic amenities and apposite waste disposal system at the spots.
He also directed officials to ensure active involvement of local committees in preservation and promotional activities so that people get alternative means of livelihood from tourism activities.
F&E secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra said 20 eco-tourism projects have been taken up and 40 new destinations identified for development. Target has been set to develop the spots within five years with an investment of Rs 100crore from state government funds, he said. Accommodation facilities for 15 to 20 families would be developed in each major spot, the secretary said.
The total footfall in eco-tourism spots was 2,76, 206 in 2012-13, 3,12,980 in 2013-14 and the footfall went up to 3,47,965 last year. This year the figure may increase in the rate.
QUICK TAKES
1 Target has been set to develop tourist spots within five years with an investment of Rs 100crore
2 Accommodation for 15 to 20 families would be developed in each major tourist spot
3 Development of basic amenities and appropriate waste disposal system at the tourist spots on cards
4 Development of tourism as a means of livelihood and involvement of local committees on cards
PNN