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Dharmendra Pradhan vows to achieve net-zero India by 2070, takes part in 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' drive
Dharmendra Pradhan vows to achieve net-zero India by 2070, takes part in 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' drive

Times of Oman

time5 days ago

  • Politics
  • Times of Oman

Dharmendra Pradhan vows to achieve net-zero India by 2070, takes part in 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' drive

Sambalpur: Union Education Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday participated in a mass plantation drive under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative. While speaking to ANI, Pradhan stated that the plantation of trees under this initiative increased hope for nature, fulfilled the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and was also a significant step towards making India a net-zero country by 2070. He further stated that various schools, colleges, organisations and administrative offices came to turn the initiative into a movement. "On that occasion, planting trees in Sambalpur, increasing the hope for nature, fulfilling the SDG goals, and making India a net-zero country by 2070, is a significant step in that direction... Today, the Forest Department and the District Administration have brought together numerous schools, colleges, women's organisations, professional organisations, temple committees, youth organisations, and various administrative offices to turn 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' into a mass movement. I am thrilled..." Pradhan said, speaking to reporters here. Earlier, on June 27, Dharmendra Pradhan, along with Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, participated in the celebrations of Rath Yatra and offered prayers to Lord Jagannath. Speaking to the media, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan says, "The first ritual of the Jagannath Yatra has been completed. All three siblings have reached the chariots... I am satisfied with the arrangements made by the state government..." Earlier in the day, Union Ministers Pradhan and Shekhawat visited and appreciated the state-of-the-art Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) in Puri, developed by the Odisha Police in collaboration with the homegrown startup IG Drones. The ICCC has been pivotal in ensuring safety and efficiency during the world-famous Rath Yatra, marking a significant milestone in modernised crowd and security management with 500 CCTVs, drones, anti-drone systems, and AI analytics. Thousands of devotees gathered in Puri to witness the grand spectacle, chanting hymns as the sweeping ritual marked the start of the deities' annual nine-day sojourn. The grand annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath commenced in Odisha's Puri on Friday, as thousands of devotees began pulling the majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, amidst chants, drumbeats, and spiritual fervour.

AP Chambers seeks Centre's support for tourism projects in AP
AP Chambers seeks Centre's support for tourism projects in AP

Hans India

time5 days ago

  • Business
  • Hans India

AP Chambers seeks Centre's support for tourism projects in AP

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation (AP Chambers) presented a proposal to Union Minister of Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat during his visit to Vijayawada on Thursday. The minister welcomed the ideas and invited a delegation to meet him in New Delhi to discuss them further. AP Chambers president Potluri Bhaskara Rao noted Andhra Pradesh's prime location, extensive coastline, rich cultural heritage, and spiritual tourism sites, positioning the state as a strong tourism hub. The Chambers urged the Union government to fund key tourism projects in the state. Rao proposed a coastal beach corridor between Suryalanka (Bapatla District) and Vodarevu (Chirala, Prakasam District), a 10-km stretch with 40-50 mid-scale resorts owned by local entrepreneurs. Without a proper beach road, development is limited. A new road could attract 20-25 high-end resorts, transforming the area into a Mini Goa-like destination. Rao suggested promoting Visakhapatnam as the 'Gateway to Andhra Pradesh' through government marketing efforts. He recommended an 'Open Sky Policy' for Visakhapatnam International Airport with a hub-and-spoke model to increase tourist arrivals. Visakhapatnam beach should gain 'Beach Destination' status alongside Goa and Kovalam in the Union Ministry of Tourism's 'Incredible India' campaign. The Chambers proposed developing Manginapudi Beach at Machilipatnam as a beachfront tourism destination under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, aligning with the upcoming Machilipatnam Greenfield Port and modern Fishing Harbour to boost connectivity and tourism. Monuments and natural sites like Lepakshi Group of Temples, Gandikota Grand Canyon and Fort, Belum Caves, Guntupalli Group of Monuments, and Salihundam Group of Buddhist Monuments could attract UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The Chambers urged the Union government to pursue these designations. Major pilgrimage sites like Tirupati, Srisailam, Simhachalam, and Amaravati need focused promotion under the PRASHAD and Swadesh Darshan schemes. Rao proposed developing the 'Indrakeeladri-Berm Park-Bhavani Island' area in Vijayawada as a Riverfront Mega Tourism Hub, integrating spiritual, wellness, adventure, culinary, ropeway, boating, and water fleet components with the Amaravati Capital Region. The Chambers also suggested a 'Visakhapatnam-Bhimili-Bhogapuram beachfront corridor' as a Mega Beachfront Tourism Corridor with central funding, aligning with ongoing tourism infrastructure upgrades in the north coastal region. Finally, the 'Godavari Riverfront Districts' could become a 'Konaseema Agri and Rural Tourism Corridor' with central financial support, leveraging the ecotourism potential of the Godavari River and its tributaries.

AP Chambers seeks central support for tourism projects in state
AP Chambers seeks central support for tourism projects in state

Time of India

time5 days ago

  • Business
  • Time of India

AP Chambers seeks central support for tourism projects in state

Vijayawada: The AP Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation sought unconditional support of the Union govt for the development of various tourism projects across Andhra Pradesh. In this regard, the AP Chambers representatives submitted a representation to Union tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, highlighting the vast tourism potential of the state. They detailed the support needed from the Centre for the development of tourism in Andhra Pradesh during his visit to Vijayawada on Thursday. In its representation, the AP Chambers urged the Centre to support the following key tourism projects in the state through adequate financial support. The Chambers urged the Union govt to develop a Coastal Beach Corridor between Suryalanka in Bapatla district and Vodarevu in Chirala of Prakasam district as this coastal stretch has immense potential for tourism-driven growth. This 10-km beach stretch is home to 40-50 mid-scale resorts (MSMEs) by local entrepreneurs. However, there is no proper beach road connecting the beaches in the region. The Chambers requested the development of a beach road between Suryalanka and Vodarevu beaches, which has the potential to attract at least another 20 to 25 high-end resorts in this area, making this entire stretch another 'mini Goa' like destination in AP. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy the Dip: Top 5 Dividend Stocks with Growth Potential Seeking Alpha Read Now Undo Subsequently, the Union govt has been urged to position and promote Visakhapatnam as the 'gateway to Andhra Pradesh' by all modes of promotion, marketing, and publicity by the govt. The Union govt should accord an 'open sky policy' for Visakhapatnam international airport with a hub & spoke strategy, which will boost tourist inflow into the state phenomenally. The Centre was also urged to provide beach destination status to Visakhapatnam. Other tourism development projects included the development of Manginapudi beach at Machilipatnam as a 'beachfront tourism destination' under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme, in tune with the upcoming development projects in the region, 'Machilipatnam greenfield port' and an ultra-modern 'Machilipatnam fishing harbour', which will significantly enhance the connectivity and tourism potential of the region. The AP Chambers further pushed the Union govt to secure the UNESCO World Heritage Site tags for Lepakshi Group of Temples, Gandikota Grand Canyon & Fort, Belum Caves, Guntupalli group of monuments, Salihundam group of Buddhist monuments, and others which have the best chances for securing the UNESCO tag from the state. Further, the Chambers urged the govt for the development of "Indrakeeladri-Berm Park-Bhavani Island" as a 'riverfront mega tourism hub' in Vijayawada, the development of the 'Visakhapatnam-Bhimili-Bhogapuram beachfront corridor' as a 'mega beachfront Tourism Corridor', and the development of 'Godavari riverfront districts' as a 'Konaseema agri & rural tourism corridor' with central financial assistance.

Andhra Pradesh progressing under PM's vision and CM's governance: Union Tourism Minister
Andhra Pradesh progressing under PM's vision and CM's governance: Union Tourism Minister

New Indian Express

time6 days ago

  • Politics
  • New Indian Express

Andhra Pradesh progressing under PM's vision and CM's governance: Union Tourism Minister

VIJAYAWADA: Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Thursday highlighted Andhra Pradesh's development under the BJP-TDP coalition, calling it a 'double engine' government powered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's governance. Addressing the reporters at the BJP office, he said the Union Ministry of Tourism had sanctioned `450 crore for seven projects in the State, and discussions are ongoing with the Chief Minister to boost the irrigation and tourism sectors. On the occasion, Shekhawat promised complete Centre's support for the initiatives. On Kashmir, he said tourism has significantly increased, particularly in Pahalgam, and the region is now safe for travellers, forecasting a tourism surge in the next 15 days. Reaffirming the BJP's commitment to Andhra Pradesh, Shekhawat emphasised job creation, infrastructure, and honouring the sacrifices of those who fought the Emergency. During the press briefing, the Union Minister slammed former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for imposing emergency on June 25, 1975, calling it the 'harshest assault' on Indian democracy. He said Sanjay Gandhi's actions during that period bordered on dictatorship. Praising the resistance led by Jayaprakash Narayan and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, crediting their movement with restoring democracy, Shekhawat lamented that the Congress party has never apologised for the Emergency and urged youth to understand its historical impact to safeguard democratic values.

"Symbol of the antiquity of Sanatan culture": Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Jagannath Rath Yatra
"Symbol of the antiquity of Sanatan culture": Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Jagannath Rath Yatra

India Gazette

time6 days ago

  • Politics
  • India Gazette

"Symbol of the antiquity of Sanatan culture": Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Jagannath Rath Yatra

Puri (Odisha) [India], June 27 (ANI): Union Ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Dharmendra Pradhan sought blessings from Jagadguru Rambhadracharya in Puri on Friday. As the Jagannath Rath Yatra has commenced on Friday, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat termed the festival a 'symbol' of antiquity of 'Sanatan culture' and its continuity. He mentioned that for many generations, the festival has been celebrated as a symbol of unity and uniting the people of India. Shekhawat extended gratitude for getting opportunity to attend Rath Yatra and seeking blessings from Puri Shankaracharya. 'This festival is a symbol of the antiquity of Sanatan culture, as well as its continuity. For many centuries, this festival has been celebrated as a symbol of unity, uniting the people of India and bringing together followers of different faiths from around the world. Evidence of this can be found in written history spanning thousands of years. Fortunately, I have got the opportunity to attend this Rath Yatra, I will get the chance to see Lord Jagannath Prabhu, but above all, I am fortunate that I have got the opportunity to come here on Puri Peeth and see Puri Shankaracharya, to take his blessings, to listen to his dialogue', Shekhawat told reporters. Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also extended greetings on the occasion. 'On the auspicious day of this Ratha Yatra, I pray that the blessings of the Lord are with everyone. The country continues to be peaceful, developing, and be complete is what is in the hearts of this auspicious day, I extend good wishes to the countrymen,' he said. During the festival in Puri, devotees draw the grand chariots of the three deities -- Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra, and sister goddess Subhadra -- to the Gundicha Temple, where the deities reside for a week before returning to the Jagannath Temple. The Rath Yatra ceremony is expected to attract a large crowd, making traffic management a key issue. (ANI)

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