Dharmendra Pradhan Launches Bhima Mandali Heritage Project In Sambalpur

Rairakhol/Sambalpur: Union Education Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the ‘Bhima Mandali’ Eco Heritage Site project at Naktideul block in Sambalpur district.

The project, estimated at Rs 8.3 crore, aims to develop the ancient site into a major eco-tourism and heritage destination in Odisha.

Addressing a gathering, Pradhan said Bhima Mandali is not merely a tourist spot but a symbol of Odisha’s ancient civilisation and rich cultural heritage. He said the initiative would help place the region on the national and international tourism map while creating employment opportunities for local residents.

Archaeologists believe the rock art on the cave walls at Bhima Mandali dates back more than 10,000 years. Stone Age tools and artefacts have also been discovered from the site, making it one of Odisha’s significant prehistoric locations. Efforts are currently underway to secure recognition for the site from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Pradhan said the project includes the construction of approach roads, bridges, viewpoints, solar-powered infrastructure, tourist amenities and rest houses to improve accessibility and visitor experience.

He added that the project is expected to improve the socio-economic condition of people living in nearby villages.

Highlighting the Odisha government’s ‘Home Stay’ policy, the Union minister said local villagers would be encouraged to host tourists and promote Odisha’s traditional rural lifestyle.

“Bhima Mandali has the potential to emerge as a major eco-tourism and cultural destination in western Odisha,” he said.

Pradhan also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida for supporting the development initiative.

The Union minister further stated that during his visit to Bhima Mandali on February 25, 2025, he had assured comprehensive development of the site. Following the visit, he wrote to Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat seeking inclusion of the Debrigarh–Bhima Mandali–Hirakud corridor as a dedicated tourism circuit in future tourism projects.