Bharatmala will pave approach for coastal Odisha development, says Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

By Express News Service
KENDRAPARA: The proposed 452-km coastal freeway from Gopalpur to Digha of West Bengal below the Bharatmala Pariyojana mission will pave approach for improvement in coastal Odisha, stated Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday.

Talking to mediapersons after his go to to Bhitarkanika National Park right here, Pradhan stated the `7,500 crore coastal freeway mission may even act as an financial hall for transport of agricultural and pisciculture produce to Paradip and Dhamra ports. Besides, it will shield seaside villages from the onslaught of cyclones and floods.  

The proposed freeway will go by means of Chhatrapur, Satapada, Konark, Astaranga, Nuagaon, Paradip, Ratanpur, Satabhaya, Dhamra, Basudevpur, Talapada, Chandipur, Chandaneswar and Digha. Of the whole size of 452 km of mission, round 29 km will come below  Ganjam district, 153 km below Puri, 54 km below Jagatsinghpur, 49 km below Kendrapara, 62 km below Bhadrak, 99 km below Balasore and 6 km will join East Medinipur in West  Bengal. More than 178 villages in all these districts could be linked by the freeway.

The Ministries of Tourism, Environment and Forest will assist Odisha authorities promote eco-tourism in Bhitarkanika and  Gahirmatha marine sanctuary to draw extra vacationers to those locations. Eco-tourism shall be developed with out inflicting injury to  vegetation and wildlife, Pradhan knowledgeable.

Eco-tourism as an exercise will create employment alternatives for a lot of villagers round Bhitarkanika National Park. “It is essential to ensure the growth and development of eco-tourism sector which is sustainable and socially responsible besides creation of work opportunities. Eco-tourism in Bhitarkanika is a big employment generator and has multiplier impact on the economy. It is a major contributor to employment creation, particularly for women and youths. Eco-tourism can lead to reduction of poverty,” the Union Minister stated.

Pradhan stated, villagers across the park would earn more cash by showcasing the mangrove forests and lengthening homely hospitality to visiting vacationers. Eco-tourism initiatives will act as a window to the treasure trove of pure sources in forests, he added. Following his go to to Bhitarkanika, Pradhan took to micro-blogging platform Twitter and said, “Dense mangrove forests, exciting trekking trails, birds chirping in colonies, creeks and canals teeming with wildlife in Bhitarkanika National Park spoil you for choices.  An off-the-beaten track, a visit to Bhitarkanika is a must during this time of the year.”