Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government plans to turn the large number of dams and reservoirs in the state into tourist attractions by beautifying the areas around them and setting up amusement parks, infotainment zones, boating and camping facilities.
The state Water Resources department has earmarked Rs 50 crore for a period of three years under the Periphery Development of Reservoirs and Water Bodies scheme, according to a TNIE report.
The department plans to spend Rs 5 crore this year, Rs 27 crore in 2023 and Rs 18 crore in 2024.
At first, beautification of areas around 18 dams and reservoirs will be taken up. Odisha has 163 large dams.
“Large dams in the state are engineering marvels. Once the periphery areas are developed along with museums, interpretation centres having regular audio-visual shows and guided tours, the dams will also serve as places of learning,” Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources department, told the TNIE.
