Sambalpur: In a push to ecotourism, an ‘Island Cafe’ has been opened by Hirakud Dam, adjoining Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary in Odisha’s Bargarh.
The open-air hangout has been created in the middle of the lake by transforming a few temporary fishermen settlements in the eastern side of seven square kilometre forest patch of Bat Island, which has around 1,200 Indian Fruit Bats, more popularly known as Indian Flying Fox, inside Hirakud Lake connected with a narrow strip of land with the wildlife sanctuary.
“Visitors are being swept off by the pristine view of the crystal clear turquoise water of Hirakud and rugged forested mountains and cliff at the back of the island,” said Hirakud Wildlife Division Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Anshu Pragyan Das informing that the island has been developed without harming nature and keeping sustainability in mind.
“All amenities have been created out of natural materials giving the Island Cafe a vintage look. There was no construction at all. We have employed a few resident fishermen, who will get to improve their income by selling delicious smoked dish to the visitors,” informed Das.
The Island cafe, which will remain open from 6 am to 6 pm throughout the week serving breakfast and evening high tea, have been designed to accommodate 60 to 80 tourists at the same time. Palm tree, bamboo, and natural stones nicely curated by the local communities around Debrigarh gives a beautiful ambience to the sitting area, the DFO said.
She added that a wildlife camp has also been set up for inter-border protection from the reservoir side.
Tourists can reach the island by taking a 30-minute boat ride by luxury cruise from Debrigarh Nature Camp to Bat Island, and enjoy local Odia cuisine and fresh fish from Hirakud served on the breakfast platter, beautiful sunset view, birding, angling, and photography. The price of one cruise for up to 10 persons has been fixed at Rs 2,500.
“The summer and winter evenings amid the calm and shallow waters of the lake and sounds of animal calls echoing from the sanctuary, makes the island not only adventurous but also soul-soothing,” said a tourist.
