Bhubaneswar: A ‘Tourism Walk’ was organised from Kalinga Stadium to Utkal Mandap here to mark World Tourism Day in a bid to raise awareness about the need for preserving ancient monuments and the heritage of the state, and to promote tourism and cleanliness.
Many artistes showcasing folk art and dances of the state participated in the rally along with hundreds of students holding placards pointing out the benefits of tourism.
The rally was flagged off by Culture and Tourism Minister Ashok Panda and Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena. The government has proposed many plans for the preservation of ancient monuments and the state’s heritage, the minister said. Speaking on the occasion, the mayor said that the civic body has plans to conduct an art trail covering Bindu Sagar Lake and Kedar Gouri Temple to spread awareness about the culture, tradition, heritage and history of the state.
The minister said, “Many steps have been taken by the government to promote tourism. `5 crore has been allocated for preservation of ancient monuments and revival of temples in the state. The government has also decided to organise a light and sound show at Samaleswari Temple at a cost of `9 crore.”
To mark World Tourism Day, arrangements were made to extend a traditional welcome to guests at the Bhubaneswar Airport and railway station. Cultural programmes were also organised to mark ‘Paryatan Parv’.
Cultural performances will be staged during the walk at different locations in the Capital city.
A tourism and cleanliness drive is being undertaken by tourist officers in all districts to make this event broad based and to involve local communities.