Bhubaneswar/New Delhi, July 21: The Union Ministry of Tourism has announced a major step forward in Odisha’s tourism development under the revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) scheme, informed Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Monday.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, the Minister confirmed that Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Khinda Village have been identified for development in Odisha under SD2.0. These destinations were selected in consultation with the Odisha State Government, although the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is still awaited.

Debrigarh, located in Bargarh district, is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes, making it a prime candidate for eco-tourism. Khinda Village, near Sambalpur, holds historical significance as the birthplace of freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai, offering potential for heritage tourism.

This marks a shift from the earlier Swadesh Darshan 1.0, under which Odisha received funding in 2016–17 for the development of Gopalpur, Barkul, Satapada, and Tampara under the Coastal Circuit theme. That project has been reported as physically complete.

The revamped SD2.0 scheme adopts a destination-centric approach, emphasizing infrastructure that supports local employment, skill development, and tribal community engagement. It aligns with the broader goals of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local, aiming to unlock India’s full tourism potential.

This initiative aims to create sustainable and responsible tourism destinations across India, with a strong focus on community participation and local livelihoods.

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