Bhubaneswar: Odisha has a sizable number of flood control and multi-purpose dam projects. The State Government has initiated steps for development of the land adjacent to big dams. Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra today discussed the modalities of these projects at a high level meeting held here on Friday.
“Develop the big dams and its adjacent land to learning and recreation spots with museum, audio visual show, guided tour to the dams, boating and camping facilities,” the Chief Secretary said.
Since the big dams are larger engineering marvels, these can be good spots for learning through pleasure trip activities more particularly for the students”. He directed to set up the museum with audio visual equipments for explaining the students about the scientific knowledge and type of technology used in construction of the dam.
The students should also be educated about different utilities of a dam including, its eco-system, the process of irrigation, power generation etc. He also directed to arrange guided tours of the students to the dam and its periphery for giving them direct exposure to the practical outcomes of the dam project.
Principal Secretary Water Resources, Anu Garg said the dam projects like – Lower Indra Dam in Kalahandi district, Salia Dam in Khurda, Upper Jonk (Patara Dam) in Nuapada, Upper Kolab Dam in Koraput, Samal Barrage in Angul, Balimela dam in Malkangiri, Harabhangi Dam in Gajapati, Kuanaria Dam in Nayagarh, Ghodahad Dam in Ganjam, Badanalla Dam in Raygada, Bhanjanagar Dam in Ganjam, Pitamahal Dam in Sundargarh, Kanjhari Dam in Keonjhar, Kansabahal Dam in Sundargarh, Salandi Dam in Keonjhar, Sanamachhakandana MIP in Keonjhar, Dhanei Dam in Ganjam, Khadkhai Dam in Mayurbhanj, Indrvati dam in Kalahandi and Hadagada dam in Keonjhar district have the potential to be developed to the leraning cum recreation spots.
Development Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Jena directed to select the dams closer to the towns and growth centers having more potential for attracting people. It was decided to take up 3 to 4 such dams in the first phase and gradually expand the intervention to other popular dams basing on the learnings from the first phase. It was estimated that around Rs 4 crore would be invested for development of each spot.
Mahapatra directed to start boating activities in reservoirs of the dams with proper safety and security measures. Forest and Environment department was asked to finalise the modes of management of the boating facilities either through Van Surakshya Samities or through tourism agencies. Additional Chief Secretary Forest & Environment Dr Mona Sharma, Principal Secretary Tourism and General Administration & Public Grievance Sri Surendra Kumar, and senior officials were present.
