Odisha is peaceful, tourists don't require special permission: Dy CM

IANS June 23, 2025 241 views

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida assured that tourists visiting Odisha do not require special permissions, despite the US issuing a Level-2 travel advisory. She highlighted swift police action following a recent crime incident, underscoring the state's commitment to safety. Parida suggested the US advisory might be politically motivated, viewing India's development with suspicion. Opposition parties, however, argue that the advisory reflects genuine concerns over law and order under the BJP-led government.

"I don't feel Odisha or any other state in India are in such a situation." - Pravati Parida
Bhubaneswar, June 23: Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Pravati Parida stated on Monday that Odisha tourists don't require special permission from their home countries to visit the state.

Key Points

1

Deputy CM Parida assures Odisha's safety for tourists

2

US travel advisory seen as diplomatic issue

3

State enhances security after Gopalpur incident

4

Opposition cites law-and-order concerns under BJP government

Answering media queries over the Level-2 travel advisory issued by the US State Department, Parida said on Monday: "I was checking with the data and found that the number of American tourists visiting Odisha is very negligible. The US may find the rapid development of India a threat, and for this, they are making such assertions. But I don't feel Odisha or any other state in India are in such a situation that tourists will visit that region after getting permission from their country. Every country is free to make laws for its citizens. However, India is safe under Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

The Tourism Minister also highlighted the prompt action taken by police following the college student gang rape incident at Gopalpur beach in Ganjam district on June 15 that shocked the whole nation.

Emphasising the state government's concerns over women's safety, she asserted that police succeeded in arresting all the accused involved in the shameful incident within just a few hours of the incident.

She also informed media persons that the state government has already held two meetings mulling steps to increase security at various tourist spots and lovers' points in the state, and a decision in this regard will be taken soon.

Speaking on the issue, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan stated that the US travel advisory is a diplomatic issue which will be addressed diplomatically by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Earlier, the opposition Congress and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) had targeted the state government over the travel advisory issued by the US State Department, alleging deterioration of the law-and-order situation in the state under the BJP-led government.

Senior BJD leader Arun Sahoo has alleged that the advisory issued by the US government corroborates the party's claim that the law and order situation has collapsed in Odisha, and incidents of women facing sexual abuse and other atrocities increased during the last year under the BJP-led state government.

He also accused that Moist activities, which were suppressed during the BJD-led government, are rearing their head again in the state.

Notably, the US has recently issued a Level-2 travel advisory for several states in India, including Odisha, asking its citizens travelling to these states to "exercise increased caution" due to crime, especially targeting women and terrorism threats.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Odisha is one of the most beautiful states with rich culture and heritage. The US advisory seems exaggerated. I've traveled across Odisha with my family last year and felt completely safe. The Puri temple and Konark Sun Temple are must-visits! 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
While Odisha is generally peaceful, we can't ignore the recent incidents. The gang rape case was horrifying. The government needs to do more than just quick arrests - we need preventive measures and better policing at tourist spots. Safety should be priority #1.
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Amit S.
The US issues advisories based on their own standards. India has different social realities. That said, our tourism minister should focus on improving infrastructure rather than dismissing concerns. Odisha has huge potential but needs better facilities for tourists.
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Sunita R.
As someone from Bhubaneswar, I can say our state is as safe as any other part of India. The advisory is unnecessary fear-mongering. But yes, we need more women police personnel at beaches and tourist places. That would make everyone more comfortable.
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Vikram J.
The political blame game isn't helping anyone. Whether BJD or BJP, all parties should work together to improve Odisha's image. Our state has amazing tribal tourism potential in places like Koraput. Let's focus on that instead of politics!
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Manoj P.
The US issues advisories for many countries. We shouldn't take it personally. Instead, use this as opportunity to improve. More CCTV cameras, tourist police booths, and emergency numbers displayed prominently would go a long way in building confidence.

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Tags:
Odisha tourism Pravati Parida US travel advisory Odisha safety BJP government