Rayagada, Jan, 21: To transform the tourism landscape of Koraput district, the State Government has approved a grant of Rs54 crore. After Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida visited Koraput within the past year and were deeply impressed by its natural beauty, special emphasis has been given to the development of the tourism sector. In the first phase itself, the government has sanctionedRs 54.34 crore for tourism development.
Out of this ₹54 crore grant, ₹22 crore will be spent on infrastructure development at Deomali, Odisha’s highest peak and a major attraction for tourists. Funds have also been sanctioned for several other tourist destinations in the district, including:
Nandapur Valmiki Ashram – Rs 41.10 lakh
Nageswari – Rs1.08 crore
Machkund–Duduma Waterfall – Rs1.10 crore
Bindhaniguda Waterfall (Jeypore Block) –Rs 1 crore
Infrastructure development at Bindhaniguda – Rs 37.32 lakh
Rani Duduma – Rs1 crore
Batrisha Singhasana – Rs72.78 lakh
Gulmi (Kotpad Block) – Rs1 crore 15 lakh 47 thousand
Ranipark Waterfall (Borigumma) – Rs49.20 lakh
Jaldhara Waterfall – Rs23.40 lakh
Gupteshwar Tourism Area (Baipariguda Block) –Rs3 crore
Integrated Craft Centre, Kotpad – Rs5 crore
Koraput District Museum – Rs5 crore
Pandi area infrastructure development – Rs10.67 crore
The funds allocated for Deomali will be spent in three phases. OTDC (Odisha Tourism Development Corporation) will carry out development work for the Kotpad Craft Centre, District Museum, Pandi area, and Deomali. Other projects will be implemented by the respective Blocks, Forest Department, and ITDA.
It was decided earlier after Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida visited Deomali in August and reviewed the situation on the ground. She had stated that preparations were underway to give Deomali a new and modern shape.
From the tribal market at Kunduli to the peak of Deomali, the entire tourism corridor will be developed. Development work will be undertaken only in areas where there are no NGT (National Green Tribunal) restrictions.
To reduce vehicle pressure at the summit, a special shuttle bus service will be introduced. Tourists will leave their vehicles at a designated point and use the shuttle to reach the Deomali peak and enjoy the site.
Steps have already been initiated to complete all these works within one and a half years.
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