Dharmendra seeks special tourism package for Sambalpur, Deogarh

Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has sought the personal intervention of Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy for the sanction of a special package for the development of tourism infrastructure and facilities in the Sambalpur and Deogarh districts of Odisha.

In a letter to the Tourism Minister, Pradhan requested for development of tourism infrastructure in the region, especially covering the birthplace of Veer Surendra Sai, Khinda.

“Tourism and hospitality were one of the hardest hit sectors during the breakout of the Covid-19 pandemic, due to nationwide lockdowns. As we resume normalcy, the time is ripe for unleashing massive growth in the tourism sector due to the strong domestic spending and unrestricted movement of air traffic,” Pradhan said.

He said under the Dekho Apna Desh vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Tourism Ministry has undertaken massive efforts towards increasing tourist footfalls through the development of tourist facilities and infrastructure.

“I want to take this opportunity of highlighting the massive potential for tourism development in the historically ignored Sambalpur and Deogarh districts of western Odisha. Despite being home to several tourist attractions such as the Hirakud, which is one of the world’s longest dams on the Mahanadi River, and the Huma leaning temple, Sambalpur remains relatively unexplored by both domestic and international tourists in comparison to coastal districts like Puri and Bhubaneswar,” the Minister said.

Sambalpur is a city with a rich cultural heritage that is known for its traditional handicrafts, textiles, and sarees. The Sambalpuri sarees and textiles are famous worldwide, and tourists can visit the Sambalpuri Bastralaya to learn about the weaving techniques and purchase authentic Sambalpuri products.

The Hirakud Dam, one of the world’s longest dams, is located near Sambalpur and is a popular tourist destination that offers a beautiful view of the Mahanadi river. The Huma leaning temple, a unique temple that is built on a tilt, is another famous landmark that attracts tourists.

Deogarh is a beautiful town nestled amidst forests, waterfalls, and scenic landscapes. It is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts who can explore the hills, forests, and waterfalls.

“The Pradhanpat Waterfall, a breathtaking waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, is a must-visit destination in Deogarh. Additionally, Deogarh is home to several ancient temples and forts, such as the Deogarh Palace and the Gopinath Temple, that serve as a testament to the region’s glorious past,” Pradhan informed.

Khinda is a small village in Odisha that is the birthplace of Veer Surendra Sai, a legendary figure in the Indian freedom struggle. Veer Surendra Sai led a revolt against the British Empire in 1857 and was imprisoned for more than 40 years. PM Modi honored the memory of Veer Surendra Sai by naming the Jharsuguda Airport after him. His birthplace is an important destination for history enthusiasts who can learn about his life and struggle for Indian independence.