In a significant step towards positioning Hirakud as a sustainable, multi-dimensional global tourism destination, Chief Secretary Anu Garg today reviewed the progress of a comprehensive integrated tourism infrastructure development plan for the region.
The high-level meeting, held at Lokseva Bhawan, focused on transforming Hirakud beyond its iconic dam identity into a vibrant hub that seamlessly blends nature, culture, adventure, heritage, water tourism, and local livelihoods.
Senior officials, including Principal Secretary, Water Resources, Shubha Sarma; Principal Secretary, Works, Sanjay Kumar Singh; Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Tourism, Balwant Singh; Secretary, Odia Language, Literature & Culture, Bijaya Ketan Upadhyaya; and Managing Director, Odisha Bridge Construction Corporation, Anupam Saha, participated in the discussions. Sambalpur Collector Siddheswar Baliram Bondar joined virtually.
Tourism Department officials presented a detailed status report on flagship projects that form the backbone of the integrated plan. These include the Hirakud Dam Museum and Arrival Plaza (construction underway), Light and Laser Symphony, ropeway, cruise terminal, floatel, Mahanadi Island Nature Park, redevelopment of Jawahar Park, and the ambitious Burla-Hirakud Iconic Bridge.
Progress on the second phase of Maa Samaleswari Temple development, Huma Temple, Ghanteswari Temple, and the Power Channel Promenade was also reviewed. Connectivity received special attention, with the tender process for Jamadarpalli airstrip reaching its final stage.
Further enriching the tourism circuit are projects linked to the birthplace of freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai, waterfront development along the Mahanadi and Power Channel, Debrigarh Sanctuary, a weaver village, and a Mining Museum with Underground Mine Experience Centre — all designed to showcase the region’s natural, historical and cultural wealth.
Chief Secy Garg stressed the critical need for seamless inter-departmental coordination to ensure timely execution. “Hirakud must not remain limited to dam tourism. Our vision is to develop it as a multi-faceted destination offering nature, water, adventure, heritage, culture, and industrial tourism experiences of international standard,” she stated.
With these initiatives gaining momentum, Hirakud is poised to emerge as one of Odisha’s most compelling and sustainable tourism destinations in the years ahead.
