Bhanjanagar,Sept.30(Nilu Bisoyi):A review meeting was held in the conference hall of the Sub-Collector’s office here to discuss the overall development of tourism in the Bhanjanagar sub-division, strengthening infrastructure at major tourist destinations and providing improved facilities to visitors. The meeting was chaired by Bhanjanagar Sub-Collector Umashankar Behera.Bhanjanagar MLA Pradyumna Kumar Nayak, Sorada MLA Nilamani Bishoyi and Municipal Chairperson Gopabandhu Mahapatra attended the meeting and stressed the need to expedite infrastructure development, improve tourist amenities and undertake various developmental works to boost tourism in the Bhanjanagar area.Discussing tourism development in the sub-division, Sub-Collector Behera said the administration would focus not only on improving tourist destinations but also on making the overall experience of visitors more pleasant and convenient.In accordance with the advice of the Chief Secretary, he stressed giving the highest priority to the safety and security of tourists at all tourist destinations and strengthening cleanliness and sanitation arrangements.The District Collector has advised the authorities to take necessary steps to introduce new and attractive tourism facilities, including boating at Banabihar to increase its tourist appeal, development of tourism infrastructure in the Bhanjanagar Ghai area and establishment of a floating restaurant.To make tourism development activities more organised and result-oriented, a Sub-Divisional Tourism Development Committee will be formed. The committee, to be headed by the Sub-Collector, will include officials from various concerned departments and other members. It will identify the tourism potential of different destinations in the sub-division, undertake infrastructure development, prepare projects, coordinate among various departments and review tourism-related plans.Ganjam District Tourism Officer Janak Kumar Tarai briefed the participants in detail about various government schemes being implemented by the Tourism Department, investment opportunities in the tourism sector, and available government facilities and incentives. He said local entrepreneurs and investors could invest in the tourism sector and avail themselves of various incentives and concessions offered by the government.Detailed discussions were held on the development of major tourist destinations in Bhanjanagar, Buguda and other areas of the sub-division. Emphasis was laid on improving basic facilities such as roads, drinking water, toilets, lighting, parking, sanitation, seating arrangements and information signboards at tourist spots.The meeting also discussed expanding publicity and promotional activities to attract more visitors by highlighting the natural beauty, heritage, culture and local traditions associated with the tourist destinations.Emphasis was also placed on creating greater opportunities for employment, income generation and entrepreneurship for local youth and people through tourism development.Sub-Collector Behera directed officials of all departments to expedite tourism-related works under their respective departments in a coordinated manner. He stressed the need to prioritise tourist safety, cleanliness and environmental protection to create a sustainable, safe and attractive tourism ecosystem.Additional Sub-Collector Tuliyama Pradhan, Assistant Sub-Collector Chandragiri Gayatri, Block Development Officer Bharati Devi, Sub-Divisional Information and Public Relations Officer Santosh Kumar Nayak, Superintending Engineer Sanjay Kumar Pradhan, officers-in-charge of Buguda and Bhanjanagar police stations, and officials and employees from various departments attended the meeting.
