Bhubaneswar, 10 May (H.S.): Union Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan held the groundbreaking ceremony for the Bhimmandali Eco Heritage Site in the Naktideul block of Sambalpur district on Sunday.

During the event, Pradhan emphasized that the project aims to highlight the rich history of Bhimmandali and significantly enhance tourism in the Sambalpur region.

He noted that Bhimmandali is not only a tourist attraction but also a vital link to Odisha's ancient civilization and cultural heritage. Archaeologists estimate that the rock art on the cave walls in the area is over 10,000 years old, alongside numerous stone-age tools and artifacts uncovered at the site.

The Union Minister announced that efforts are in progress to obtain formal recognition for the site from the Archaeological Survey of India, with the goal of placing Bhimmandali on the international tourism map.

Pradhan highlighted the site's historical, natural, and mythological importance, revealing that the double-engine government has allocated over Rs 8.3 crore for its development. Planned infrastructure improvements include approach roads, bridges, viewing points, solar power facilities, tourist amenities, and guest houses.

He also indicated that the project is poised to create new socio-economic opportunities for local communities. Under the Odisha government's homestay policy, local residents will be encouraged to engage in tourism activities, providing visitors with an authentic experience of Odisha's rural culture and traditions.

Pradhan expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida for their support of the initiative.

Notably, during his visit to Bhimmandali on February 25, 2025, Pradhan had committed to advancing the site's development and had also written to Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to propose the creation of an integrated tourism circuit encompassing Debrigarh, Bhimmandali, and Hirakud.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda