As a responsible corporate citizen, Nalco cares for the sustainability of Odisha’s rich biodiversity, including Chilika, and is committed to promote the State’s art, culture and tourism,” said Nalco CMD Tapan Kumar Chand while addressing the concluding ceremony of the three-day long Chilika Mahotsav as chief guest at Satapada on Wednesday.
Chand announced two ‘Nalco Nilambu Chilika Awards’ carrying a purse of Rs 1 lakh each for NGOs which would be presented in the next edition of the Mahotsav.
The festival offered tourists a unique blend of different water sports, handicraft and handloom exhibitions, sea food festival, cultural programmes and martial art and sand art demonstrations.
Chand hailed the efforts of the State Tourism Department and the Chilika Development Authority for organising such an excellent festival with a view to promoting the cultural heritage, wetland management and maintenance of biodiversity.
“If developed properly, Chilika could be a major tourist attraction in the country. Nalco is keen to support any endeavour in this regard,” he added.
Minister of Tourism & Culture Ashok Chandra Panda, inaugurated the concluding evening of the Mahotsav and Minister of Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Sanjay Dasburma were notably present on the occasion.