TV
Sundargarh district is set to undergo a major transformation, with the administration proposing an extensive tourism infrastructure development plan.
According to a report by The New Indian Express, the Sundargarh district has earmarked 27 sites for development and sought approval from the Odisha Tourism Department with a budget of Rs 58.87 crore.
Notably, this move comes amid increasing public interest and growing demand for improved tourist amenities in the district, especially after a post by industry tycoon Anand Mahindra threw it into the global spotlight.
Major Tourism Projects Underway
According to the proposal, five projects each will be taken up in the Bonai and Lahunipada blocks, three in Balishankara, and two each in Rourkela, Sundargarh, and Rajgangpur.
Single projects are planned for the Lathikata, Bisra, Sundargarh Sadar, Tangarpali, Hemgir, Koida, Lefripada, and Gurundia blocks.
One of the most ambitious undertakings is the development of TISCO Pond in Rourkela, with a budget of Rs 20.92 crore. The site, an abandoned quarry pit with year-round water retention, has significant potential for recreation. Additionally, plans include road construction, pathways, kiosks, landscaping, and other infrastructure improvements.
Further projects include the development of Durgapur Hill (Rs 2.17 crore), Akshayshila in Bisra, and Deodhar in Lahunipada for eco-tourism. Other notable developments involve the enhancement of Kendudihi Katta water body in Bonai (Rs 9.49 crore) and Baba Baneswar Temple (Rs 2.04 crore).
Kanhakund Gains Prominence
Kanhakund, a striking rock formation in the Balisankara block, gained significant attention following social media interest from industrialist Anand Mahindra in March.
In a tweet, he questioned why such a scenic location was missing from India's tourism map. Following the viral post, the Odisha Tourism Department conducted a feasibility study and announced plans to develop Kanhakund into an adventure tourism hub. Proposed attractions include adventure water sports, ropeways, and lodging facilities.
Local activists, including the Koshal Samaj, had earlier staged protests in October 2023, demanding better infrastructure for the site.
Meanwhile, experts estimate that once fully developed, Kanhakund could attract around 2,00,000 visitors annually. Located near Ghughar village on the River Ib, it is approximately 130 km from both Sambalpur and Rourkela.
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With investments focused on heritage, adventure, and ecotourism, Sundargarh is poised to emerge as a premier travel destination in Odisha.
