Orissa plans task force to promote tourism

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, APRIL 5. The Orissa Government will set up a joint task force with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for promoting tourism in the State. The Chief Minister, Mr. Navin Patnaik, shall head the task force.

Inaugurating a national seminar on `Tourism:Destination Orissa' organised by CII, Mr. Patnaik called for greater private sector participation to promote tourism in the State. He urged the travel trade and tour operators to give adequate focus to Orissa. Setting up a task force would not only give an impetus to the initiatives of the Government but would also reinstate its agenda for enhancing the growth of the important sector, he said.

Pointing out that 2001 marked the 100th year of the scientific conservation of the Konark temple, Mr. Patnaik said the Orissa Tourism and Archaeological Survey of India had planned a year- long schedule to further tourist interest in the State. The proposed Special Tourism Project near Puri would also generate tourist interest, he said.

Due to financial constraints the immense potential and prospects of tourism in the State had not been optimally exploited. Lack of adequate air connectivity was a major drawback. He hoped that with the expansion of Bhubaneshwar airport, Indian Airlines rescheduling its flights and Jet Airway's arrival, the situation would improve.

The State Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Bijayshree Routray, stressed the need to create tourism related additional infrastructures like amusement parks and water sports.

Mr. R.V.V.Ayyar, Culture Secretary emphasised the need for good archaeological sites where culture was better projected and disseminated. ``There was no point in making monuments inaccessible,'' he said.

Past President of CII, Mr. Shekhar Dutta, remarked that it was time Orissa's four-year-old Tourism Policy was reviewed to assess its impact. If need be, the policy could be evaluated in consultation with private parties.

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