The Hirakud Reservoir and its surrounding regions have long stood as a testament to Odisha’s rich natural and cultural heritage. With its unique combination of breathtaking landscapes, the world’s longest earthen dam, and the biodiversity-rich Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, this region is poised to redefine eco-tourism and sustainable development in India. The Workshop on the Integrated Development of the Hirakud Reservoir Area marks the onset of ideation for a transformative journey towards sustainable tourism and collaborative innovation between stakeholders.

Conceptualised as a platform for collaboration and innovation, the workshop brought together policymakers, industry experts, and stakeholders to envision a master plan for turning the Hirakud region into a world-class tourism destination. The Eco Retreat Hirakud served as the ideal venue for this exchange of ideas, with its tranquil setting reflecting the harmony between nature and development that the initiative aims to achieve.

Activities for the Day

A series of immersive experiences were designed to provide participants with firsthand insights into the region’s potential. A jungle safari through Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary showcased the area’s unparalleled biodiversity, offering a glimpse of how eco-tourism could thrive here while preserving the fragile ecosystem. The aerial tour of the Hirakud Reservoir underscored the scale and majesty of the dam, revealing opportunities for water-based tourism and adventure activities. These experiences set the tone for the day’s discussions, grounding ambitious plans in the reality of what Hirakud has to offer.

Notable dignitaries Hon’ble Union Minister of Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji, Hon’ble MLA Sambalpur Shri Jayanarayan Mishra Ji, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism Smt. V. Vidyavathi, DC-cum-ACS Government of Odisha Smt. Anu Garg, Additional Secretary Ministry of Tourism Shri Suman Billa, Additional Chief Secretary Government of Gujarat and Chairman SoUADTGA Shri Mukesh Puri, and esteemed dignitaries, officials, industry experts, and guests attended the Workshop. Their presence underscored the collaborative intent behind this initiative and provided valuable direction for the discussions.

The primary focus of the workshop has been on valuing and conserving Hirakud’s rich resources—its expansive reservoir, thriving wildlife, and cultural vibrancy— that can be responsibly leveraged for tourism. Participants engaged in discussions centred on ideation on Special Tourism Zone (STZ) for the area, which would integrate elements of infrastructure development, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. The emphasis on a holistic approach ensures that tourism development in Hirakud will boost Odisha’s tourism appeal and enhance the livelihoods of local communities.

A key aspect of the workshop was the presentation of the proposed Hirakud Master Plan. Delivered by Shri Balwant Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Tourism, Government of Odisha, the plan outlined a roadmap for developing luxury accommodations, eco-sensitive facilities, and cultural hubs. It also emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships and sustainable practices to ensure that development efforts respect the ecological balance and heritage of the region. Smt. V. Vidyavathi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, further highlighted how such initiatives could position Odisha as a leader in sustainable tourism, blending natural beauty with innovative infrastructure.

The workshop’s discussions were deeply rooted in three core objectives of fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors to attract investments and drive innovation while preserving the ecological and cultural fabric of Hirakud. It also intended to curate actionable strategies for a roadmap that aligns with the broader vision for the region’s development focusing on creating long-term impact.

The project has been approved under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, demonstrating its alignment with the vision of promoting infrastructure development while ensuring sustainable tourism growth. Additionally, the region’s potential as a premier MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination was highlighted, offering a vision of how Hirakud can cater to both leisure and business travellers. The initiative aims to boost the local economy through job creation and entrepreneurship, enhance Odisha’s tourism profile by attracting high-value visitors, and foster inclusive growth that benefits the communities surrounding Hirakud and Sambalpur.

The Hirakud Reservoir’s transformation into a world-class tourism destination is a vision grounded in sustainability and inclusivity. The workshop’s outcomes reaffirmed the commitment of all stakeholders to this shared goal. By blending heritage, nature, and innovation while preserving its legacy.

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