Sambalpur: Balwant Singh, Secretary, Tourism, Government of Odisha has presented Hirakud Master Plan for Tourism Development, which outlined a roadmap for developing luxury accommodations, eco-sensitive facilities, and cultural hubs.
A key aspect of the workshop was the presentation of the proposed Hirakud Master Plan.
Delivered by Shri Singh it also emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships and sustainable practices to ensure that development efforts respect the ecological balance and heritage of the region.
The Hirakud Reservoir and its surrounding regions have long stood as a testament to Odisha’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
With its unique combination of breathtaking landscapes, the world’s longest earthen dam, and the biodiversity-rich Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, this region is poised to redefine eco-tourism and sustainable development in India.
Conceptualized as a platform for collaboration and innovation, the workshop brought together policymakers, industry experts, and stakeholders to envision a master plan for turning the Hirakud region into a world-class tourism destination, said Shri Singh.
The project has been approved under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, demonstrating its alignment with the vision of promoting infrastructure development while ensuring sustainable tourism growth. Additionally, the region’s potential as a premier MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination was highlighted, offering a vision of how Hirakud can cater to both leisure and business travelers.
The initiative aims to boost the local economy through job creation and entrepreneurship, enhance Odisha’s tourism profile by attracting high-value visitors, and foster inclusive growth that benefits the communities surrounding Hirakud and Sambalpur.
The Hirakud Reservoir’s transformation into a world-class tourism destination is a vision grounded in sustainability and inclusivity. The workshop’s outcomes reaffirmed the commitment of all stakeholders to this shared goal.
Shri Singh has been connected with massive development of Sambalpur since 2013, when he joined as Collector and District Magistrate of the district.
Shri Singh served the district for 3 long years and has been instrumental in development of the City of Sambalpur by providing infrastructure, urabanization, temple development, river front development.
He was warmly received as Secretary Tourism and people were seen happy to receive their favorite mandarin, who scaled up massive development in the city way back 9 long years.