Bhubaneswar, December 20, 2016: The Odisha government on Tuesday approved an action plan to develop 30 eco-tourism spots in the state.

The plan for 2016-17 fiscal with an estimated cost of Rs 21 crore was approved in the eco-tourism board meeting here, presided over by Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi.

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Padhi advised the Forests and Environment Department to create more employment opportunities for local youths through these projects.

He also directed that projects be planned on self-sustaining mode.

It was decided to keep the nature tourism spots open throughout the year.

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The meeting also decided to prepare a master plan for the comprehensive development of these spots.

The Chief Secretary further advised the department to publicise the spots through tour operators, websites, and hoteliers at national and international forums.

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Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sidhant Das said bookings for nature-tourism spots can be made online through website www.ecotourodisha.com.

So far, 27 youths have been trained in hospitality and housekeeping for providing services in the eco-tourism spots, he said. (IANS)