Soon Odisha Will Have Its Own River Cruise For Tourists

The government of Odisha had planned to start river cruises in five places across the state, namely Hirakud Reservoir, Satkosia Gorge, Chilika Lake, Mahanadi River and Bhitarkanika mangroves. The plan got delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with the relaxation of travel restrictions, the Odisha government is moving forward with the river cruise project under Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode.

Earlier , Odisha chief secretary Asit Tripathy on Thursday directed tourism department to start river cruising in the state.

He gave this direction while exploring the possibilities of innovative tourism activities at a high-level meeting with experts and stakeholders on digital mode.

Discussions show that presently three principal river cruise circuits can be developed in the state. These are river Mahanadi, Chilika Lake and Dangmala reserve forest including the national water way -5 from Dhamara to Paradeep.

Bhitarkanika circuit can connect the spots like Chandbali-Aradi-Dhamara-Khola and other spots in Bhitarkanika. This circuit can be a 5 nights and 6 days cruise.

Chilika circuit can connect Chilika, Kalijai-Nalabana-Honeymoon island-Mangalajodi-Satapada-Rajhans island-Satapada and Puri. It could be a 3 night and 4 days cruise.

The meeting deliberated for organizing this activity through PPP mode. The issues relating to various regulatory permissions, compliance to pollution norms, river jetties, bar license etc were discussed and resolved in the meeting. The chief secretary Tripathy assured that state government would provide all facilitating support for this activity. State PPP cell was advised to work out the details in consultation with department of tourism and Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC). The chief secretary also asked tourism department to coordinate with Inland Waterways Authority regarding statutory requirements.