Bhubaneswar, Ap 18: In a significant push towards sustainable tourism, the Odisha Government has unveiled major eco-tourism initiatives for Nandankanan Biological Park and Chilika Lake.
The ambitious plan, spearheaded under the leadership of Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Satyabrat Sahu, aims to boost tourism while maintaining ecological integrity.
For Nandankanan, the development roadmap includes the construction of a state-of-the-art tunnel aquarium, a native botanical garden showcasing local flora, rejuvenation of the picturesque Kanjia Lake, and the introduction of a ropeway to improve visitor accessibility and experience.
Meanwhile, Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and a haven for migratory birds, is set to introduce solar-powered boats and larger eco-friendly passenger vessels. These sustainable modes of transport will facilitate eco-tours, including birdwatching and dolphin-spotting expeditions, without compromising the delicate aquatic ecosystem.
Beyond tourism, the meeting also addressed key administrative reforms. Measures such as same-day pension release and expedited handling of career progression cases for government staff were discussed to improve governance efficiency. In a bid to strengthen forest management, the state is recruiting over 1,600 Forest Guards along with 176 officers, signalling a major ramp-up in environmental oversight.
Additionally, the state government plans to float global tenders for the sale of its red sandalwood stockpile, a move expected to generate significant revenue.
These integrated efforts underscore Odisha's commitment to becoming a national leader in eco-tourism and forest governance. The initiatives are aligned with the broader objectives of the Odisha State Climate Change Action Plan, promoting climate-resilient development and sustainable natural resource management.
