Bhubaneswar: Chief Secretary S C Mahapatra on Friday directed the officials to take steps for developing big dams and adjacent land into learning and recreation spots with museum, audio-visual show, boating and camping facilities.
As the State is home to a sizable number of flood control and multi-purpose dam projects, the Government has already initiated steps for development of the land adjacent to big dams.
The proposal was discussed in a high level meeting held under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary Mahapatra on digital mode from Lokseba Bhawan wherein Principal Secretary Water Resources Anu Garg presented different aspects of the project.
Considering the proposal , the Chief Secretary said, “Since the big dams are larger engineering marvels, it can be good spots for learning through pleasure trip activities, more particularly for the students”.
Mr.Mahapatra directed that a museum with audio visual equipment be set up for explaining the students about the scientific knowledge and type of technology used in construction of the dam. The students should also be educated about different utilities of a dam including, its ecosystem, the process of irrigation and power generation, he said.
He also directed to arrange guided tours of the students to the dams and its peripheries for giving them direct exposure to the practical outcomes of the dam project.
Principal Secretary Ms.Garg said the dam projects like Lower Indra Dam in Kalahandi district, Salia Dam in Khordha district, Upper Jonk (Patara Dam) in Nuapada, Upper Kolab Dam in Koraput, Samal Barrage in Angul, Balimela dam in Malkangiri, Harabhangi Dam in Gajapati, Kuanaria Dam in Nayagarh, Ghodahad Dam in Ganjam, Badanalla Dam in Raygada, Bhanjanagar Dam in Ganjam, Pitamahal Dam in Sundargarh, Kanjhari Dam in Keonjhar, Kansabahal Dam in Sundargarh, Salandi Dam in Keonjhar, Sanamachhakandana MIP in Keonjhar, Dhanei Dam in Ganjam, Khadkhai Dam in Mayurbhani, Indrvati dam in Kalahandi and Hadagada dam in Keonjhar district have the potential to be developed to the learning cum recreation spots.
Development Commissioner P K Jena directed to select the dams closer to the towns and growth centers having more potential for attracting people.
It was decided to take up 3 to 4 such dams in the first phase; and gradually expand the intervention to other popular dams based on the experience from the 1 st phase. It was estimated that around Rs.4 crore would be invested for development of each spot.
Further, the Chief Secretary directed that boating activities be started in reservoirs of the dams with proper safety and security measures.
Forest and environment department was asked to finalize the modes of management of the boating facilities either through Van Surakshya Samities or through tourism agencies.
Additional Chief Secretary Forest and Environment Mona Sharma, Principal Secretary Tourism Surendra Kumar also participated in the deliberation.