Bhubaneswar: The state government is planning to launch water sports in various reservoirs and dams in the state for adventure lovers.
The Water Resources department is preparing a blueprint to promote and publicise water sports and attract tourists as well.
After noticing influx of tourists in water sports in dams and lakes in others states, the department has taken up the plan, a senior official of the department said.
“Water sports will be started in different small, medium and large reservoirs in the state,” said the official. He added that very soon it will be decided whether this will be taken up under the public-private partnership (PPP) mode or it will be taken up by the state government.
“Lifeguards will be deployed for the safety of the tourists; these places will have parks, facilities for other sports for the adults as well as children,” the official added.
Executive engineers of reservoirs and dams concerned will submit detailed reports on which type of water sports can be undertaken in the respective dams and reservoirs.
However, it has been decided to make special arrangements to ensure that the dams’ main road and check dam area are not used by the public.
It has also been decided to allow water sports activity at least 100 m away from the spillway of the dam.
PNN