Chief Secretary SC Mahapatra on Friday directed officials to take steps for developing big dams and adjacent lands into learning and recreation spots with museums, audiovisual shows and boating and camping facilities.
As the State is home to a sizable number of flood control and multipurpose dam projects, the Government has already initiated steps for development of the lands adjacent to big dams.
The proposal was discussed in a high-level meeting held under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary wherein Water Resources Principal Secretary Anu Garg presented different aspects of the project.
The CS said, “Since the big dams are larger engineering marvels, they can be good spots for learning through pleasure trip activities, more particularly for students.”
He directed that a museum with audio visual equipment be set up for explaining 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 projects. Garg said the 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 potentials to be developed to the learning-cum-recreation spots.
Development Commissioner PK Jena directed to select the dams closer to the towns and growth centres having more potential for attracting people.
It was decided to take up three to four such dams in the first phase and gradually expand the intervention to other popular dams based on the experience from the first phase. It was estimated that around Rs 4 crore would be invested for development of each spot.
The Forest and Environment Department was asked to finalise the modes of management of the boating facilities either through Van Surakshya Samitis or through tourism agencies.