Odisha Clears Key Tourism Projects Around Hirakud Reservoir
Water Resources dept issues NOCs with strict safety norms; major hospitality groups show interest
Bhubaneswar: The Water Resources Department has granted a series of no-objection certificates (NOCs) to facilitate hotel construction, cruise operations, and other tourism-related developments around the Hirakud reservoir. The clearances, formally communicated to the Tourism Department on Wednesday, mark a major push toward turning Hirakud into a prominent tourism destination while ensuring strict compliance with safety and environmental norms.
According to the approved proposals, private investment will now be permitted on an island located in the Jharsuguda section of the reservoir. Land behind the Jhankarani temple has also been cleared for setting up a laser music show. However, all tourism activities in this zone must be situated at an elevation of 642 feet or above the reservoir limit (RL), ensuring safety during fluctuating water levels.
The department has further approved plans for cruise services, hotels, and recreational facilities along the right dyke, again subject to the 642-feet elevation restriction. In addition, a proposal for developing an arrival plaza, retail outlets, and a dam museum near the Burla powerhouse has been cleared, though it requires a separate NOC from the Odisha Hydro Power Corporation Ltd (OHPC).
Tourism facilities will also be allowed within 600 metres downstream of the main dam and 550 metres downstream of the left dyke. Another arrival plaza at Champapara Chowk on the left dyke has received approval under similar elevation and safety conditions.
Future plans include creation of tent cities, caravan parks, and designated camping zones in select pockets. However, these must strictly adhere to the guidelines laid down by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) and Ramsar Convention. The Water Resources Department has emphasised that tourism must be limited to zones deemed safe even in the event of emergencies such as dam breaches, landslides, or sudden water pressure changes.
In total, 26 conditions have been imposed to safeguard reservoir integrity and protect the Hirakud dam structure. These include restrictions on using the roadway atop the dam, curbs on water and noise pollution, and prohibitions on construction in geologically sensitive areas.
One major proposal—construction near Chandli Dunguri close to Ashoka Nivas—was rejected. Officials noted that development in that location could threaten the structural stability and safety of the dam.
The Tourism Department had earlier requested 256.187 acres of land for tourism development around Hirakud. The exact area approved under the new NOCs has not yet been finalised.
As part of the larger integrated master plan for the Hirakud region, IDCO is building a 2,000-acre land bank across Sambalpur, Bargarh, and Jharsuguda districts. Land acquisition processes at the tehsil level are currently underway to support future infrastructure and tourism projects.
The clearances come amid growing interest from major hospitality brands. Sources confirmed that leading hotel groups, including Taj and Kamat, have already scouted potential sites around Hirakud. Their proposals were discussed in detail during the two-day Collectors’ Conference held in Bhubaneswar with the chief minister and revenue minister in attendance.
With these approvals, the state aims to transform the Hirakud reservoir region into a vibrant tourism hub, drawing premium investments while maintaining rigorous environmental and dam-safety safeguards.
