Hirakud Dam makeover: Odisha plans floating hotels, adventure tourism for sustainable development push

The Odisha government is mulling transforming the iconic Hirakud Dam in Sambalpur front into a sustainable tourism destination, blending ecological conservation with modern visitor experiences.

As part of an integrated master plan, the banks of the Hirakud reservoir will soon host a series of eco-friendly tourism facilities, including floating hotels, water-laser music shows, camping zones, caravan parks, and recreational plazas, designed to attract tourists while preserving the region’s fragile ecosystem, reported The New Indian Express.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy by the state government to position Odisha as a hub for responsible, immersive tourism.

Notably, Hirakud is among 40 locations across India selected under the Ministry of Tourism’s Special Assistance to States/UTs for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, aimed at infrastructure development in priority tourist zones.

Harnessing Legacy for Green Growth

Built over the Mahanadi River and completed in 1957, the 25.8-km-long Hirakud Dam remains the world’s longest earthen dam and a testament to post-independence engineering ambition.

It has since evolved into a multipurpose asset serving flood control, irrigation, hydropower generation, and now, potentially, tourism-led economic development.

The planned tourism infrastructure will be developed along the dam’s extensive reservoir banks in Sambalpur and Jharsuguda districts.

According to reports, the Department of Tourism has conducted joint field assessments with the Department of Water Resources (DoWR) to identify suitable sites for these interventions. 

Further, the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Tourism has submitted detailed proposals, including geo-coordinates and environmental safeguards, to seek the required no-objection certificate (NOC) from the DoWR.

Adventure and Nature at the Forefront

Complementing the eco-tourism plan is the state’s new focus on adventure tourism, with Hirakud earmarked as a key site.

Earlier this year, the Odisha government approved a comprehensive set of guidelines to develop land, water, and air-based adventure sports across the state. Among the flagship projects is the introduction of hot air ballooning over Hirakud Dam, adding a new dimension to its appeal.

The guidelines also envisage skill development for local youth and encourage private investment through digital platforms like the ‘Go Adventure’ portal. Combined with the eco-tourism push, this move is expected to generate jobs and diversify economic opportunities in the region.