Bhubaneswar, 2 December (H.S.): Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia on Tuesday unveiled major irregularities in cottage tourism projects executed during the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government, stating that several initiatives had resulted in substantial financial losses.
Responding to members’ questions in the Assembly, the minister said that numerous cottages constructed across various locations during the earlier regime had failed to generate revenue and were instead operating at a loss. Despite Odisha having eco-tourism facilities spread across 51 forest divisions, only 10 of these are currently making profits, while the remaining units continue to face deficits.
Khuntia made it clear that new eco-tourism proposals would be considered only after thorough feasibility studies, ensuring that future projects are viable and financially sustainable.
The minister also informed the House that ₹80 crore was spent last year on the development of cottage and eco-tourism infrastructure. A further ₹80 crore has been earmarked in the current supplementary budget to expand and enhance these facilities, with the aim of improving Odisha’s eco-tourism ecosystem and preventing past financial mismanagement.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
