Odisha Draws Up Master Plan to Transform Chilika and Kalijai Temple into Global Tourism Destination

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has set in motion plans for the integrated development of Chilika Lake, the Maa Kalijai Temple and the Satapada region, with a high-level meeting on Tuesday outlining a long-term vision to boost tourism while preserving the ecological significance of Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon.

The meeting, jointly chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, deliberated on preparing a comprehensive master plan to improve infrastructure, enhance visitor experience and ensure sustainable development across the Chilika landscape.

Recognising Chilika as a Ramsar Site of international importance, the ministers stressed that future development must strike a balance between tourism promotion and environmental conservation.

Deputy Chief Minister Parida said the government aims to develop Chilika into a world-class tourism destination by strengthening hospitality infrastructure and providing better amenities for visitors. She also emphasised the need for the holistic development of the Maa Kalijai Temple, one of Odisha’s most revered pilgrimage sites.

Harichandan called for a comprehensive development blueprint with special emphasis on road connectivity and public infrastructure to unlock the tourism potential of the region. He said all projects should be implemented in an environmentally responsible manner without disturbing Chilika’s fragile ecosystem.

During the meeting, agencies presented conceptual master plans featuring a range of tourism and infrastructure projects. The proposals include improved road connectivity, modern jetties, parking facilities, bird-watching towers, cycling tracks, roller skating zones, boating and water sports facilities, trekking trails, tree houses, open food courts, picnic areas and public art installations showcasing Odisha’s cultural heritage.

The meeting also reviewed the proposed Greenfield Road connecting Gopalpur and Bahuda, which is expected to improve regional connectivity and create new opportunities for tourism and economic development.

The meeting was attended by Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation (OBCC) Managing Director Anupam Saha, Tourism Director Deepankar Mohapatra, Puri Collector Dibyajyoti Parida, Commissioner of Endowments Satyanarayan Sadangi, Engineer-in-Chief (Civil) Satyabrata Behera, Engineer-in-Chief (Buildings) Priyabrata Samantaray, Chief Engineer Trinath Behera, members of the Kalijai Temple Trust Board and temple servitors.