Odisha sanctions mega tourism projects

The Odisha government has allocated land for seven tourism projects, which will bring in large investments to build a golf resort, hotels, water parks, etc. "The land has been allotted for seven projects in different parts of the state after due diligence and technical assessment for land requirement. These projects will bring in an investment of INR 354.34 crore," said Tourism Secretary Vishal Dev.

"These tourism projects, apart from creating direct employment opportunities, also have the potential for large indirect employment," said Dev.

The approved projects, include a Golf Resort at Satpada in Puri, to be developed by Mayfair Hotels and Resorts with an investment of INR 125 crore; Gopalpur Palm Resort at Udayapur in Ganjam to be developed by Swosti Vacations Club with investment of INR 64.58 crore; and a 4-star hotel at Trisulaia in Cuttack to be developed by Lalchand Resort with investment of INR 54.5 crore.

Luxurio Assets will develop a resort at Gopalpur with an investment of INR 49.8 crore, while Lifeline Multi Venture will develop a resort at Tampara in Ganjam with an investment of INR 49.8 crore.

Some other private developers will also invest in a water park and resorts.

Union Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also said the central government, in cooperation with the state government, will try to develop Odisha as a global hub of ancillary industry in the steel sector.

India is the second largest steel producing nation in the world while Odisha is the hub of steel industry in the country. The state can play an important role in the world steel sector, he said.