Puri: In a major step toward strengthening tourist safety and positioning Odisha as a secure and responsible travel destination, the Department of Tourism has launched a landmark initiative called the Safe Tourist Campaign (Surakshita Paryataka Abhiyan) in the beach town of Puri.
The campaign has been rolled out as a collaborative effort between the Odisha Tourism Department, the Odisha Fire and Emergency Services, and the National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS). The launch ceremony was graced by Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Pravati Parida as the chief guest, alongside several senior dignitaries.
A key driving force behind this comprehensive safety transition is Shri Balwant Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Tourism Department. Under his administrative leadership, the department is prioritizing safety as a core pillar of Odisha’s tourism growth. Shri Balwant Singh, alongside Tourism Director Shri Deepankar Mohapatra, has been instrumental in orchestrating inter-departmental synergy to execute this state-wide safety protocol, ensuring that both coastal and inland water bodies are strictly monitored.
During the event, licensed lifeguard certifications were officially handed over to professionally trained lifesavers who have completed rigorous training programs aligned with international standards. These lifeguards will be actively deployed across Odisha’s vast coastline and inland water bodies to protect tourists and local residents.
To expedite emergency response times, the department unveiled a suite of modern beach safety and rescue gear. The newly introduced equipment includes All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), rescue boards, rescue tubes, inflatable rescue boats, life jackets, and advanced communication systems. Additionally, the foundation stone was laid for a state-of-the-art Rescue Centre and a Watch Tower at Digabareni Beach in Puri to enable round-the-clock monitoring.
Reflecting on the infrastructure backing this movement, the establishment of the Odisha State Watermanship and Lifeguard Institute (OSWALI) at Ramachandi has served as the foundation for creating a specialized lifeguard cadre. So far, approximately 200 lifeguards have undergone advanced training at the institute, mastering skills in surf life-saving, open water rescue, underwater rescue, swimming pool rescue, CPR, first aid, and disaster response.
Shri Balwant Singh and the Tourism Department have highlighted that the Safe Tourist Campaign is not a temporary safety measure but a long-term commitment to sustainable and secure travel. Through these structural upgrades, Odisha is steadily building its reputation as a leading destination for beach, adventure, and water sports tourism in India. The launch event concluded with a live demonstration by the trained lifeguards, showcasing their rescue skills and the deployment of the newly acquired safety equipment.