Odisha plans river cruises to boost tourism sector during pandemic

In its bid to keep hospitality sector viable during pandemic, Odisha government on Thursday asked tourism department to start river cruises on select water bodies under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode.

direction was issued by Chief Secretary A K Tripathy while exploring possibility of cruise tourism at a meeting with experts and stakeholders.

"River cruising is compatible with COVID-19 restrictions. re is huge scope and latent market for world class river cruising in Odisha," Tripathy said.

Tourism secretary V K Dev said that three principal river cruise circuits can be developed on Mahani river, Chilika Lake and in waterways in Dangmala reserve forest.

Bhitarkanika circuit in Dangmala reserve forest can connect destinations like Chandbali-Ari-Dhamara-Khola to or spots in Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, he said.

Chilika circuit can link Chilika, Kalijai-Nalabana- Honeymoon island, Mangalajodi-Satapa-Rajhans island-Satapa and Puri. Issues relating to regulatory permissions, compliance to pollution rms and construction of river jetties were also discussed at meeting.

state PPP cell was directed to work out details of plan in consultation with tourism department and Odisha Tourism Development Corporation.

chief secretary also asked tourism department to coordinate with Inland Waterways Authority regarding statutory requirements. Odisha has a long coast line of around 482 km, five major rivers, and water bodies including Chilika, largest brackish water lake of Asia.

(Photo Credit: PTI)