September 17
Odisha to develop land near Dams as learning
With a sizable number of flood control and multi-purpose dam projects in the State, Government have initiated steps for development of the land adjacent to the big dams. This was discussed in a high level meeting held under Chairmanship of Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra on digital mode from Lokseba Bhawan on Friday wherein Principal Secretary Water Resources Smt Anu Garg presented different aspects of the proposal for discussion.
Chief Secretary Mahapatra directed to develop the big dams and its adjacent land to learning and recreation spots with museum, audio visual show, guided tour to the dams, boating and camping facilities.
Sri Mahapatra 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”.
He directed to set up the museum with audio visual equipment 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 eco-system, the process of irrigation, power generation etc. He also directed to arrange guided tours of the students to the dam and its periphery for giving them direct exposure to the practical outcomes of the dam project.
Development Commissioner Pradeep Kumar 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 basing on the learnings from the 1st phase. It was estimated that around Rs.4 cr would be invested for development of each spot.
Further, Chief Secretary Mahapatra directed to start boating activities 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
Development Commissioner P.K. Jena, Additional Chief Secretary Forest & Environment Dr Mona Sharma, Principal Secretary Tourism and General Administration & Public Grievance Surendra Kumar, Principal Secretary Water Resources Smt Anu Garg along with senior officers from concerned departments participated in the deliberation.
