Eco-tourism in Bhitarkanika will generate employment opportunities, Dharmendra Pradhan

Bureau,Odishabarta

Bhubaneswar: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said here on Sunday the coastal highway project worth Rs 7,500 that will link Gopalpur in Odisha and Digha in West Bengal will boost infrastructure and economy of Odisha.

Speaking to scribes after visiting Bhitarkanika National Park, Pradhan said the 452-km long highway will emerge as an economic corridor for the transport of agricultural and pisciculture produce to Paradip and Dhamra ports. “It will also act as a protective barrier for vulnerable seaside villages from the onslaught of cyclones and floods,” the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas said.

Dwelling on the tourism potential of the region, he said the Centre will extend all possible support to the State for improving tourism infrastructure at Bhitarkanika National Park and Gahirmatha marine sanctuary in Kendrapara district. “Eco-tourism will be further developed here without causing damage to vegetation and wildlife,” he added.

Eco-tourism in Bhitarkanika will generate employment opportunities for women and youths, fishermen, boatmen and lead to socio-economic development of villages lying in the fringes of the national park, Pradhan Said.

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