Odisha Looks At Water-Based Recreation To Boost Tourism

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is planning to promote water sports to provide the much-needed boost to tourism in the state, which has been badly hit by the COVID pandemic.

During a meeting on Friday, Chief Secretary Suresh Mohapatra directed forest and environment, water resources and tourism departments to identify 100 spots for developing water-based recreational facilities, including water sports, boating, mini-parks and restaurants, and finalise the list in a month, sources said.

The spot selection is to be based on competitiveness and the ability of a place to provide an exotic experience to the tourists. “The right choice of location and their popularisation will help to attract private investment to the sector and take eco-tourism to the next level,” the chief secretary said.

According to Odisha tourism, the Puri Konark Marine Drive has the most popular water sports camps, where tourists can enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, water scooters, speed boats and surfing. The Barkul Panthanivas along Chilika Lake has water sports facilities, including jet-skiing, motor boating and water scooters. One can enjoy the scenic beauty of Tampara Lake on a pedal boat or zip through it on a jet ski.

Water sports can also be explored in 118 small and big dams in the state.

In April, the government had launched water sports on the right dyke of Hirakud Dam near Jhankarani temple in Burla to improve tourists footfall. Jet ski, speed boats, water scooter, bumper boat, banana boat, kayak and paddle boat are available at the reservoir between 8 am and 6 pm for prices ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 1,500.

The chief secretary also directed the officials to ensure proper safety measures in boats and boating sports, the sources added.