Tourists are going to get a new gift in the New Year. They will enjoy water sports during the ‘Water Festival’ to be organised by the State Tourism Development Corporation on Indira Sagar dam’s Hanuwantiya island in February 2016. Adventurous event of Water Festival will not only open new vistas of tourism, but will begin an era of water sports in the State.
The decision has been taken in deference of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s wish to promote water tourism and attract tourists. At a recent meeting, the Chief Minister had reviewed preliminary preparations for Water Festival to ensure its success.
Vast water body like Indira Sagar dam exists in natural beauty rich Madhya Pradesh, which is biggest water body in Asia. Besides, the State has also big dams like Bargi, Gandhi Sagar, Tawa and Ban Sagar to promote water tourism and attract tourists.
During Water Festival from February 12 to 21 next year, water sports, kite flying, volleyball, bullock cart race and other competitions will be held. Attractive cultural programmes focusing on culture and folk dances of the State, especially Nimar and Malwa regions will be organised. Products made up of lac, mehandi and Mati Kala Board will also be displayed at Craft Bazaar.
It is noteworthy that Indira Sagar Dam on Madhya Pradesh’s lifeline Narmada river has been constructed in Khandwa district. The dam is spread over total 913.04 hectares.
Islands have added beauty to the reservoir further. About 8 to 10 big island were formed naturally after construction of the dam. This significant aspect attracts tourists. This is the reason that Tourism Development Corporation decided to organise Water Festival in February 2016 at Indira Sagar dam to develop it as an important tourist destination. It is also relevant since Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced to celebrated year 2015-16 at Tourism Year. This ambitious step of Tourism Development Corporation is among one of this series.