Tourism Infrastructure in Nuapada Set for a New Boost; Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh Reviews Development Projects Focus on Promoting Private Investment and Unlocking the Tourism Potential of Tikhali Dam

Nuapada, August 2: With an aim to strengthen tourism infrastructure and accelerate tourism-led development in Nuapada district, a high-level review meeting was held on Sunday at the Conference Hall of the District Collector’s Office. Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Tourism Department, Balwant Singh, chaired the meeting and reviewed the progress of ongoing tourism infrastructure projects while discussing future development strategies for the district. Addressing the meeting, Singh said that tourism is not only a driver of economic growth but also a significant sector for employment generation, balanced utilization of resources and overall regional development. He emphasized that sustainable tourism plays a vital role in promoting economic progress while ensuring minimal impact on the environment. To encourage private investment in the tourism sector, Singh directed officials to motivate potential investors and entrepreneurs to apply through the GoSWIFT portal. He also instructed them to create awareness about the various subsidies and incentive schemes offered by the Odisha Tourism Department for tourism-related projects. He further advised officials to identify suitable land for the establishment of hotels, restaurants and other tourism facilities to strengthen the district’s tourism infrastructure. Special emphasis was laid on exploring the tourism potential around Tikhali Dam, particularly by promoting private sector participation in developing infrastructure around the existing boating facilities. Singh also instructed officials to identify 50 to 100 prospective investors and entrepreneurs from Nuapada district to participate in the upcoming Tourism Investors’ Orientation Workshop to be held in Bhawanipatna. The review meeting also assessed the progress of ongoing tourism infrastructure projects across the district. The Commissioner-cum-Secretary stressed the need to ensure better management, cleanliness, safety and visitor-friendly amenities at roadside amenity centres to enhance the overall tourist experience. The meeting was attended by District Collector Madhusudan Dash, Additional District Magistrate Subash Chandra Rait, Chief Development Officer Lambodar Dharua, Sub-Collector Surmi Soren, Additional Superintendent of Police Ranjit Nayak, Divisional Forest Officer Aziz Khan, Divisional Forest Officer (Wildlife) Sameer Sahu, Deputy Collector (Election) Sheikh Naseem, Deputy Collector-cum-District Tourism Officer Roshan Jena, along with all Tahasildars, Block Development Officers and senior officials of various departments.