By Our Correspondent
ANGUL/BHUBANESWAR:Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan today inaugurated the much-awaited ‘Boating Facility’ at Derjang in Baanrapal, Angul district. He said that the project, built at a cost of over Rs 6 crore, will give a new identity to the tourism industry of the district and strengthen the local economy.
On this occasion, the Union Minister said that Angul district is full of natural and cultural wealth. Starting from the Satkoshiya Sanctuary to the beauty of the Rengali reservoir and the shrine of Maa Budhi Thakurani, this region has a special grandeur. The flow of two holy rivers like Mahanadi and Brahmani has made this land glorious. Our main goal is to utilize this potential with the joint efforts of the double engine government and develop Angul as a major center in the state tourism map.
Shri Pradhan informed that the Derjang project was earlier limited to irrigation and drinking water supply, but now it has emerged as a modern tourist destination. Here tourists can enjoy speed boats, pedal boats, jet skis and pedal swan boats. This facility will create new employment opportunities for the local youth. In addition, the Forest Department has plans to build an ‘Eco Lodge’ here in the coming days, which will provide a memorable experience to the tourists. He expressed his gratitude to the District Administration, Forest Department and Irrigation Department for this noble initiative.
Later, the Union Minister attended the ‘Nagarik Samvardhana Sabha’ organized by Badakerjang Mandal. Expressing gratitude for the love and devotion of the people present there, he said that the main mantra of our government is the welfare of the poor. From the Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme to social security allowance, we are committed to ensuring that every government facility reaches the eligible beneficiaries in a clean manner. He said that expansion of irrigation, better transportation and maintaining the balance of the environment will be our top priority.
