Promises
for the politicians and ministers are like piecrusts, made to be
broken. How can the Tourism Minister of Orissa be an exception to
this rule?
Not
so long ago the Minister while on a tour to the Koraput district had
declared to include Deomali, the highest peak in the state, as an
official ecotourism site. But in the recently released list of sites
by the Department of Tourism, Deomali finds no mention. This has
resulted in widespread discontentment among the people there.
The
list has identified 18 sites to be developed by the State Government
as Eco Tourism destinations. And Deomali deserves a place in the
list, so feel the people of the region. It has basic infrastructure
to support the claim. Two view points, Children Park, a Guest House
and steps built to go to the hilltop are some measures already
undertaken to promote tourism. It has the potential to be promoted
as the stop-out point for the international tourists coming to see
the Bonda tribes via Semiliguda from Andhra Pradesh.
The
people feel let down by the step-motherly treatment meted out to
them by the Tourism Minister. They urge the Chief Minister to
intervene to give Deomali its due.
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