Daringbadi/Udaygiri: A five-year-long eco retreat hub would be set up at Daringbadi in Kandhamal district to boost tourism. This was revealed by Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra, who was on a two-day visit to to the district.
He reviewed Sunday the progress of various ongoing developmental works at Daringbadi and G Udayagiri blocks. Mahapatra first visited G Udaygiri Sunday morning and took stock of the work for a 132/33 grid project of the OPTCL.
He also visited the Government Girls’ High School and reviewed the ongoing transformation programme under 5T scheme. He interacted with students and teachers and advised the latter to ensure quality education.
The chief secretary was accompanied by District Collector Dr Brunda D, ADM Basanta Kumar Sahoo, BDO Bijay Kumar Pradhan, tehsildar Janmejay Sahu and IIC Rebati Sabar. Later, Mahapatra visited Raikia block and visited the mango orchard of a local farmer.
He then left for Daringbadi where he visited an eco-retreat hub. He informed that the eco-retreat hub at Daringibadi was quite successful last year. So another such hub would be set up at Daringibadi for a five-year period.
He said he is confident that the hub will attract tourists all through the year. Mahapatra visited also K Nuagon where he inspected a 132 KV grid project and conducted a review meeting with senior officers of various departments Saturday.
He also visited an old age home at Saratoga. Mahapatra said that in the last few years there had been significant development in Kandhamal district. The chief secretary claimed that forest cover has gone up substantially in the district while agricultural development has been taken up and new livelihood opportunities have opened up.
He added that the construction of the medical college was in full swing and all steps were being taken to complete the project on schedule. The scope for further development of horticulture and tourism activities was explored at the review meeting.
PNN