Bhima Mandali under Naktideul block and Debjharan Waterfall under Jujumura block in Odisha’s Sambalpur district have been granted tourist destination status.
In addition, the incomplete work of integrated development of the Hirakud tourism area and beautification of Budharja hills will be completed soon, Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Parvati Parida announced during her visit to Sambalpur.
Smt. Parida added that a detailed plan is being prepared for the development of the tourism area around Hirakud Dam. Earlier, an announcement was made for the development of the Sambalpur city riverbank, it will be developed in the style of the Sabarmati riverbank.
Apart from this, keeping in mind the endless potential of tourism in the Hirakud area, the Odisha government has allocated Rs. 99.90 crore. In this, tourism development of Hirakud city, Burla urban area around the riverbank will be done. There are plans to make the Debrigarh sanctuary and river embankment area more attractive. The Barapahad area was the impregnable fortress of Veer Surendra Sai. Therefore, a plan is being prepared to attract 3 history lovers to each tourist. A huge statue of Veer Surendra Sai will be installed in the said area.
The work for the development of Budharja Hill started in 2016, but even after 9 years, more than 30% of the work is still pending. The Deputy Chief Minister informed that Rs. 57 lakh has been sanctioned to further develop the watch tower there and complete the incomplete work. The most gratifying thing is that the two tourist destinations, Bhima Mandali and Debjharan, which were often demanded through the media for recognition, have been recognized, said Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Parida.
While the said two places have natural water sources and dense forests, they have historical importance. But a proper road has not been constructed to Bhimmandal yet. Whereas, a good road was constructed to Debjharan last year. Currently, Sambalpur district has 7 recognized tourist destinations, namely Sambalpur City, Hirakud Dam, Ghanteswari Temple, Huma Mandir, Gudguda Falls, Khanda and Kandhara. The above two destinations were proposed during the previous government, and after the Deputy Chief Minister made the announcement, there has been enthusiasm among the people of the district.
