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Title: Need to sanction adequate funds for Mahanadi River Cruise Project and take it up as a Mega Circuit with a view to give momentum to tourism in the region – laid.
SHRI B. MAHTAB (CUTTACK): With large number of tourists visiting various tourist destination has increased manifold, there is a need to invest handsomely for the development of infrastructure. Orissa should find place in the national tourism infrastructure development plan as very little has been done before. It would be better to develop not only the pilgrim destination but also those areas which cater to the nature-lovers. Mahanadi River Cruise Project be taken up as a mega circuit which will not only attract domestic tourist but also foreign tourist too. Starting from Tirupur of Chattisgarh to Sonepur, the picturesque beauty is a site to love. The Satkosia gorge is India’s largest gorge along with the largest elephant sanctuary. A proposed tiger sanctuary is also coming up. Mahanadi flows through Cuttack to Bhittarkanika which is also a National Park of international importance.
I would urge upon the Government to sanction sufficient funds for development of Mahanadi Mega Circuit for which a proposal from the Orissa State Government is in hand.