Chhatrapur: Tampara lake near Chhatrapur in Ganjam district is going to find a place in Ramsar wetlands. This is a matter of pride for Odisha. It may be noted here that Wetland Convention (Ramsar Convention Wetlands) was organized in 1971.
Since February 2, 2020, World Wetlands Day is observed for conservation of wetlands across the globe. Its objective is to conserve wetlands and their biodiversities.
As many as 46 places in India have been accorded Ramsar Wetlands status. Among them are Chilika and Bhitarkanika sanctuary in Odisha. Significantly, 25 more wetlands in the country will get status of Ramsar Wetlands soon.
Tampara is one of them. It was indicated during the celebration of Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav marking 75 years of Independence here. Tampara has already been tagged as a tourist place by the state government.
The central government has also provided funds for its development. The place has been developed as Tampara Lake View park with facilities of boating, water sports, snacks bar, drinking water, restrooms and toilets for tourists.
The place has been drawing an increasing number of tourists. To ensure its sanitation, the district administration has declared the area as plastic-free zone.
The Berhampur Development Authority (BeDA) has executed additional infrastructure projects at the tourist site. The projects have been taken up under the ‘Swadesh Darshan’ scheme of the Centre at a cost of Rs 8 crore.
Tampara is 2 km from the National Highway-16. Some of its infrastructures were severely damaged by cyclone Phailin in October 2013. Landscaping, widening of the road from National Highway to the water body, food court, illumination and sitting facilities have been made in the first phase.
The government sanctioned Rs 33.43 crore under the scheme for its tourism development three years ago. The state government has been developing the Tampara into a major tourist destination.
PNN