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Bhubaneswar, Nov 6 (IANS) Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday inaugurated the historic Bali Yatra Mahotsav in Cuttack and said the state government is making concerted efforts to ensure that Odisha emerges as eastern India’s gateway to the maritime trade sector in the coming days.
The Chief Minister announced that the state government’s financial assistance for organizing the historic festival has been increased from Rs 2 crore to Rs 10 crore from this year.
“Orissa will emerge as a gateway to maritime trade in eastern India,” the Chief Minister said.
Majhi said that the historic event of Bali Yatra is a living symbol of the courage, determination and rich maritime trade heritage of the people of Odisha.
He said, “Bali Yatra is a beautiful reflection of the glorious history of Odisha. It is the largest cultural-cum-business fair of Eastern India, held on the banks of Mahanadi for a long time.”
The Chief Minister also announced that Cuttack, popularly known as Silver City, will be developed as a center for silver filigree works.
He also said that efforts are underway to secure UNESCO World Heritage Site status for the historic Bali Yatra.
He further informed that under the Mahanadi Riverfront Development Scheme, Rs 200 crore has been allocated for beautification of the Mahanadi river bank in Cuttack.
Additionally, the government has launched initiatives to develop various heritage and religious sites along the banks of Mahanadi and in Cuttack city.
The Chief Minister said that Bali Yatra is not just a commercial festival; It is deeply connected with the art, culture and spiritual sentiments of Odisha.
CM Majhi said, “Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s slogan of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’ (Development with heritage), the state government is giving a fresh boost to both cultural heritage and development.”
He further said that the state government is committed to harnessing the maritime potential of Odisha to develop a major port-based economy.
Apart from Paradip, Dhamra and Gopalpur ports, the state government is planning to develop 14 more small and medium ports in the coming days.
Majhi said port development projects are underway at Subarnarekha, Astaranga and Jatadhari river mouths.
He said the state government has earmarked Rs 21,500 crore for the development of Bahuda Port, which will be the second largest port in Odisha after Paradip Port.
The state government is also planning to set up a shipbuilding and repair center at the mouth of the Mahanadi river near Paradip at an estimated cost of Rs 24,700 crore.
–IANS
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