logo
Tourism project completed in Odisha: Minister

Tourism project completed in Odisha: Minister

Time of India21-07-2025
1
2
Kendrapada: The ministry of tourism has completed the "Development of Gopalpur, Barkul, Satapada, and Tampara" project under the coastal circuit theme. This initiative, sanctioned in 2016-17 as part of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SD 1.0), has reached its physical completion, Union tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed the Lok Sabha on Monday.
Responding to a query from Kendrapada MP Baijayant Panda, Shekhawat revealed that the Swadesh Darshan Scheme has been revamped into Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD 2.0). This new phase aims to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations with a focus on a destination and tourist-centric approach. In collaboration with the Odisha State Government, Debrigarh, along with the special attraction of "Khinda Village", has been identified for development under SD 2.0.
However, the detailed project report (DPR) for this initiative is yet to be received.
The ministry of tourism emphasises the development of tourism infrastructure that promotes local livelihoods and community participation, including the involvement of tribal communities. The projects sanctioned under the scheme are designed to create opportunities for skill development, self-employment, and engagement of local stakeholders, the minister added.
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
New Portable Cooler Instantly Cools Any Room (Must Try)
AiraBreeze
Learn More
Undo
by Taboola
by Taboola
While the development and promotion of tourist destinations and products are primarily the responsibility of the respective state government or Union Territory Administration, the ministry of tourism supports these efforts through its central sector scheme, Swadesh Darshan. This scheme provides financial assistance to state governments and UT Administrations, including Odisha, to enhance tourism infrastructure across the country.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Goa govt has Rs 973 crore locked in incomplete projects: CAG
Goa govt has Rs 973 crore locked in incomplete projects: CAG

Time of India

time15 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Goa govt has Rs 973 crore locked in incomplete projects: CAG

Panaji: Goa has Rs 973.2 crore blocked in 3,395 incomplete projects as of March 31, 2024, reflecting poor execution and weak monitoring of capital works, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) said. Of these, 63 projects were reported to be '100% physically completed', but did not attain financial closure, while 128 projects were to be completed by March 2024. Information on the completion timeline or physical progress was missing for 33 projects, said the CAG in its report on state finances for the year 2023-24. The central auditor in its report also flagged missing data from several divisions of the public works, water resources, and power departments, which hindered a full assessment. 'Blocking of funds in incomplete projects and works negatively impacts the quality of expenditure and deprives the state of the intended benefits. Further, funds borrowed for the implementation of these projects during the respective years add to the fiscal burden in terms of servicing of debt and interest liabilities,' said the CAG in its audit report. The report highlights that 115 of these incomplete works, each worth over Rs 1 crore, already consumed Rs 484.1 crore from the state's treasury. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Here's The Price of a 1-Day Walk-in Shower In 2025 Homebuddy Learn More Undo Notably, road widening and hotmixing work in Morjim, initiated in 2015-16, remained unfinished even after eight years. A total of 102 large projects, with an estimated cost of Rs 790.7 crore, were delayed by one to three years. The roads, bridges and buildings department accounted for 78% of the total estimated cost of such projects. The CAG said that incomplete works not only fail to benefit citizens but also increase the strain on the state's limited revenue. The CAG recommended that state govt put in place a robust monitoring mechanism to track project progress, enforce timelines, and prevent unnecessary delays. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.

Goa lax about finance panel reports, central grants at risk: CAG
Goa lax about finance panel reports, central grants at risk: CAG

Time of India

time15 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Goa lax about finance panel reports, central grants at risk: CAG

Panaji: Goa needs to make concerted efforts to secure grants recommended by the finance commission, said the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India in its latest report. The CAG pointed out that the grants significantly augment the state's resources, but the state risks losing access to the crucial funds due to its failure to comply with constitutional provisions. The 15th finance commission in its main report of 2021-26 had urged all states to constitute a finance commission, act upon its recommendations, and table the action-taken report in the legislature before March 2024. The CAG observed that the 3rd state finance commission for Goa was formed in Dec 2016 after a delay of more than six years, and the three-member commission chaired by a retired IAS officer, Daulat Hawaldar, submitted its report in June 2024, well past the deadline. 'State govts may consider the recommendations given by the state finance commissions at the earliest, so that the accepted ones can be implemented promptly,' said the CAG in its report for the year ending March 2024. The CAG pointed out that no grants would be released to a state that has not complied with the constitutional provisions in respect of state finance commissions. The CAG's audit found that Goa has consistently failed to adhere to the finance commission recommendations, as state govt constituted only three state finance commissions between 1999 and 2022, instead of the six due under constitutional provisions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Stylish New Mobility Scooters Available for Seniors (Prices May Surprise You) Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Search Now Undo Reports of the 1st and 2nd state finance commissions, along with the action-taken reports, remain pending for submission to the assembly as of Dec 2024. A committee set up in 2010 to examine the 2nd state finance commission's recommendations failed to submit its report for over 14 years, effectively rendering the work of both commissions infructuous. The 3rd state finance commission, headed by Hawaldar, gave seven financial and twelve non-financial recommendations. In its recommendation, it continued the existing devolution of 10% of Goa's own tax revenue. Further, the commission recommended an additional budget provision of Rs 50 crore per year with an annual increase of 10% every year in the 2024-28 period as compensation for revenue loss caused by the implementation of GST. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.

Direct Ahilyanagar–Pune Rail Link Soon: Fadnavis
Direct Ahilyanagar–Pune Rail Link Soon: Fadnavis

Time of India

time16 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Direct Ahilyanagar–Pune Rail Link Soon: Fadnavis

Nagpur: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday announced that the state govt is actively pursuing plans to lay a direct railway line from Ahilyanagar to Pune — a project that could significantly cut travel time between Nagpur and Pune. The proposed link, he said, would shorten the distance by nearly 100km and save close to an hour on the journey. Speaking to mediapersons after flagging off the Nagpur–Pune Vande Bharat Express, Fadnavis explained that trains currently have to take a longer route via Daund, adding 100–125km to the trip. "I have suggested railway officials that a direct line be laid from Ahilyanagar to Pune. If this line is constructed along the right of way of the upcoming Sambhaji Nagar–Pune expressway, both projects could be integrated. This will not only save time but also accelerate the railway work," the CM said. He emphasised that the belt from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar to Ahilyanagar and onwards to Pune is a major industrial corridor. The new railway line, he added, could also serve as part of a freight corridor linking the region to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT). Land acquisition for the expressway is in progress, while the railways completed their alignment survey. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 25 Best Cities for Living Undo "We will submit our proposed alignment to ensure that the railway track is accommodated within the expressway's right of way," he said. Outlining his broader vision for high-speed connectivity in the state, Fadnavis said trains running along the Samruddhi Mahamarg should be capable of reaching speeds of 250–300 kmph. "We already have 78% of right of way for this alignment, but 22% still needs to be acquired to connect with stations. A detailed study will be undertaken soon," he said. Fadnavis also expressed satisfaction at the launch of the Nagpur–Pune Vande Bharat Express, which he described as a much-needed service for passengers on the busy corridor. "I personally requested the railway minister to introduce this train, given the heavy passenger rush on the route. Many times, private bus fares touch 5,000, which causes serious hardship to common citizens," he noted. Thanking PM Narendra Modi and railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for fulfilling the demand, he said the state would work with the Centre to ensure faster, more comfortable travel options for Maharashtra's citizens. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store