Hirakud Set for Major Tourism Makeover with New Heritage, Adventure and Water Attractions

Bhubaneswar: Hirakud is set for a major tourism transformation, with Odisha working on a range of interconnected projects to develop the region as a destination offering nature, heritage, culture, adventure and water-based experiences.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg reviewed the progress of these projects at a high-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan on Wednesday and directed departments and agencies to maintain close coordination to ensure timely implementation.

The integrated tourism infrastructure plan covers projects related to connectivity, heritage, environment, water tourism and local livelihoods, with the larger objective of creating a sustainable and world-class tourism destination around Hirakud.

The Tourism Department presented an update on the projects being taken up under the integrated plan. The proposed attractions include the Hirakud Museum, Arrival Plaza, Light and Laser Symphony, ropeway, cruise terminal, flotel, Mahanadi Island Nature Park and redevelopment of Jawahar Park.

The proposed Burla-Hirakud Iconic Bridge is also part of the plan, while construction of the Hirakud Dam Museum and Arrival Plaza is already underway.

The review also covered the second phase of development of Maa Samaleswari Temple, Huma Temple and Ghanteswari Temple, besides the proposed Power Channel Promenade.

Improved connectivity is a key component of the tourism expansion plan. Officials informed the meeting that the tender process for the Jamadarpalli Airstrip has reached its final stage.

The proposed infrastructure is expected to strengthen access to the region and complement the wider tourism development planned around Hirakud.

The government is also looking to showcase the region’s diverse natural, cultural and industrial heritage through tourism.

Projects under consideration include the integrated development of Veer Surendra Sai’s birthplace, waterfront development along the Mahanadi and Power Channel, and further development of Debrigarh Sanctuary.

The plan also proposes a Weaver’s Village, Mining Museum and Underground Mine Experience Centre, providing visitors with opportunities to explore the region’s traditional crafts, industrial history and local culture.

Garg emphasised that the success of the integrated plan would depend on effective coordination among the departments and agencies involved. She directed officials to closely monitor implementation and ensure that projects move forward within the fixed timelines.

The Chief Secretary said the objective is to ensure that Hirakud evolves beyond a conventional dam tourism destination into a multi-dimensional tourism hub combining nature, water, adventure, heritage, culture and industrial tourism while creating greater opportunities for local communities.

Principal Secretary, Water Resources Department Shubha Sharma, Principal Secretary, Energy Department Sanjay Kumar Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Tourism Department Balwant Singh, Secretary, Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department Bijay Ketan Upadhyaya, OBCC Managing Director Anupam Saha and senior officials attended the meeting. Sambalpur Collector Siddheswar Baliram Bondar participated virtually.