Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Wednesday reviewed the progress of various projects under the integrated tourism infrastructure development plan for the Hirakud area, aimed at transforming the region into a sustainable and world-class tourist destination.
The review meeting was held at Lok Seva Bhawan, where officials discussed the implementation and coordination of projects covering tourism, connectivity, heritage, environment, water-based activities and livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department Shubha Sharma, Principal Secretary of the Energy Department Sanjay Kumar Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Tourism Department Balwant Singh, Secretary of the Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department Bijay Ketan Upadhyaya and Managing Director of the Odisha Bridge Construction Corporation Anupam Saha attended the meeting along with officials of various departments and agencies. Sambalpur Collector Siddheswar Baliram Bondar joined the meeting virtually.
The Tourism Department made a detailed presentation on the progress of the projects. Key components of the integrated plan include the Hirakud Museum, Arrival Plaza, Light and Laser Symphony, ropeway, cruise terminal, flotel, Mahanadi Island Nature Park, redevelopment of Jawahar Park and the proposed Burla-Hirakud Iconic Bridge. Construction of the Hirakud Dam Museum and Arrival Plaza is currently underway.
The meeting also reviewed the second phase of development of the Maa Samaleswari Temple, Huma Temple and Ghanteswari Temple, besides the Power Channel Promenade. The projects are expected to improve connectivity while strengthening tourism infrastructure in the Hirakud region. The tender process for the Jamadarpalli Airstrip has reached its final stage.
Officials also reviewed initiatives aimed at linking the region’s natural, cultural and industrial heritage with tourism. These include integrated development of the birthplace of Veer Surendra Sai, waterfront development along the Mahanadi and Power Channel, development of Debrigarh Sanctuary, Weaver’s Village, Mining Museum and an Underground Mine Experience Centre.
Garg stressed the need for close coordination among different departments and agencies for timely implementation of the projects. She said the integrated initiative would help position Hirakud not merely as a dam tourism destination, but as a multi-dimensional tourism hub encompassing nature, water, adventure, heritage, culture and industrial tourism.
