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More tourists throng diamond triangle

BHUBANESWAR: The Ministry of Tourism has been exploring all possible measures to conserve and promote the Buddhist heritage sites of the diamond triangle in Orissa’s Jajpur district.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Tourism Minister Ms. Ambika Soni stated that the protected monuments and sites under the control of Archaeological Survey of India at Lalitgiri, Udayagiri and Ratnagiri are receiving adequate attention by way of conservation, preservation and environment development, a PIB release said.

Divulging details of the number of tourists visited the triangle, the Minister informed that 54,144 tourists have visited the sites during the past three years.

From 15,280 in 2004-05, it has shown a sharp rise to 20,703 during last year, she informed. Ms. Soni further stated that her Ministry had launched information and promotion campaign for promotion of Buddhist tourism sites.

The overseas offices of the Ministry are actively involved in promoting the Buddhist sites of India including those in Orissa, said.

In integrated promotion campaigns in the overseas markets, in South East Asian region in particular, Buddhism has been adopted as one of the major themes, the Minister said.

In the domestic market, a campaign for celebration 2550 years of Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha has been launched, she added.

Through its Incredible India website, the Ministry has provided specific information about Buddhist sites in Orissa including Udayagiri, Ratnagiri and Lalitgiri, Ms.Soni said. The Ministry has also brought out special brochures and leaflets for promoting excursion to these sites, she stated.

The Ministry has taken up matter relating to upgradation of road, rail and air connectivity to the sites with the concerned ministries of Surface Transport, Railways and Civil Aviation, the release said.

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