Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has taken up the initiative to transform the greater Hirakud region into a mega tourism hub. Important projects are now under execution across Sambalpur, Burla and the adjoining areas. The hub will come up surrounding Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Hirakud reservoir, reported New Indian Express.
The state govt has come up with a masterplan to position Hirakud as a sustainable tourism destination. It aims at promoting nature, culture and adventure through hospitality infrastructure, eco-tourism, waterfront development, heritage circuits and adventure activities. A regional tourism development authority, to be designated HIRAKUD, will be formed to plan, design and regulate the activities, sources told the New Indian Express.
The tourism project will spread across three zones and cover 5,130 sq km area, including wildlife sanctuaries, dam and reservoir, temples, waterfalls, tribal tourism circuits and waterfront destinations.
According to reports, accommodation facilities, museums, adventure tourism zone and even an airstrip are part of the masterplan.
The project was discussed in a meeting chaired by chief secretary Anu Garg recently. The HIRAKUD is proposed to be modelled on the Statue of Unity Area Development and Tourism Governance Authority of Gujarat, the report claimed. The body, which will be constituted under Odisha Development Authority Act, will need ratification of the cabinet and then the Assembly.
