The promises made by the State Government to promote tourism sector in Sambalpur have remained confined to pen and paper.None of the proposals has materialised yet.
As per the proposals, the second zoo of the State was supposed to come up at Laxmi Dungri Hill, a place between Burla and Sambalpur on the bank of river Mahanadi, here.
It was announced by the Chief Minister himself in the Assembly nearly 10 years back. Last year, the Government planned to request the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) to expedite the process to set up the zoo.But, as on today, no one is sure about the progress of the project.
On January 17 last year, five proposals had been sent under Mega Destination Development (MDD) for development of tourist spots in and around Hirakud reservoir, erection of rope-way in Sambalpur town besides development of Samaleswari temple.
The proposals included beautification of three islands in Hirakud reservoir along the right dyke, creation of gardens, picnic facilities, parking and kiosks upto entrance of Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary and motor launch facility at ‘Zero Point’ along the dyke for visiting the Sanctuary through waterway.
This apart, there were proposals for erection of ropeway connecting Budharaja Hill and Brooks Hill touching two major attractions of the town with famous Budharaja temple on one side and Wildlife Conservation Centre on the other.
Similarly, landscaping near the famous leaning temple at Huma and construction of hanging bridge of about 180 metres long connecting the temple with the nearby river island under the Destination Scheme were proposed.
Construction of public convenience centre, garden and deep borewell at Kandhara in Rairakhol sub-division of the district which is the birthplace of poet Bhima Bhoi was also mooted under the Destination Scheme.But more than a year after, there has been little development on these works.
District Tourist Officer Sanatan Naik said the State Government has already sent the proposals to the Ministry of Tourism but has not received any reply till date.
