Puri: In a significant move to enhance tourist safety and expand its adventure tourism portfolio, the Odisha Tourism Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Odisha Fire and Emergency Services and the National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS), Goa. The agreement marks a crucial step toward establishing globally-accepted safety standards for all water-based activities across the state.
Shri Balwant Singh, Secretary Tourism, Odisha, signed the pact on behalf of the State Government, while Dr. Uma Shankar Dash, DIG Fire Services, signed the pact on behalf of the Odisha Fire and Emergency Services.
Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi hailed the MoU’s historic nature, stating it is the first-ever agreement signed between a State Tourism Department and the Fire Department in the country.
The collaboration will utilize the Fire and Emergency Services training center in two main ways. The Tourism Department will first use the center for training and certifying lifeguards employed at various tourist attractions and hotels to enhance tourist safety. Second, the center will provide the necessary facilities for adventurous water sports, including the new scuba training system.
Tourists will be able to get a scuba diving experience using this new system, aligning with the government’s recently adopted adventure sports policy.
The tripartite collaboration is centered on four key objectives: developing stringent water sports safety standards, conducting professional lifeguard training programs, building the capacity of local operators and service providers, and ultimately expanding the scope of adventure and coastal tourism in Odisha.
As an apex institution under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the NIWS will provide technical expertise to implement best practices in water safety audits, operational protocols, and certification. This partnership aims to institutionalize high-quality training for local personnel, ensuring a strong presence of skilled lifeguards and proficient water sports operators.
This strategic alliance is expected to not only safeguard tourists engaging in water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and boat rides but also boost the state’s reputation as a safe and reliable destination for adventure travelers. The capacity-building initiatives will lead to the professionalization of the sector, creating new livelihood opportunities and unlocking the full potential of Odisha’s vast coastline and numerous inland water bodies.
The signing of the MoU comes as the state focuses on diversifying its tourism offerings, ensuring that safety remains paramount as it encourages greater participation in its water-based recreational activities.