Pic Credit: Pexel
Bhubaneswar, October 9, 2025 – The Odisha government has launched an ambitious initiative to transform the historic Hirakud Dam, near Sambalpur, into a world-class sustainable tourism hub. With a clear vision to blend natural beauty, engineering excellence, and cultural heritage, this transformation marks a new chapter in Odisha’s tourism story.
Under the Central Scheme – Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), two flagship projects have been identified as the core of this development:
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The Water and Light Symphony, and
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The Hirakud Dam Museum.
These projects aim to reimagine Hirakud not just as a site of historical and infrastructural importance, but as a vibrant destination for immersive learning, emotional storytelling, and eco-friendly tourism.
Hirakud: Where Nature, Culture, and Innovation Meet
Located just outside Sambalpur city, in western Odisha, Hirakud Dam is the longest earthen dam in India and one of the longest in the world. Built across the mighty Mahanadi River, the dam has stood as a symbol of visionary engineering, water security, and Odisha’s post-independence development journey.
Already popular for its serene reservoir, Gandhi Minar viewpoint, and expansive natural surroundings, Hirakud now steps into a bold new phase — as a sustainable, inclusive tourism destination.
The Water and Light Symphony: Telling the Tale of Mahanadi
One of the key highlights of the new Hirakud experience will be the Water and Light Symphony, a captivating audio-visual show that tells the story of the Mahanadi River — from its origins in Chhattisgarh to its confluence with the Bay of Bengal.
Through light, sound, water effects, and immersive visuals, the show will reflect the river’s spiritual, cultural, and economic significance to the people of Odisha. At its heart, it carries a powerful message: “A message of harmony, resilience, and shared prosperity.”
The narrative will also explore the creation of the Hirakud Dam and how it transformed Odisha by controlling devastating floods, improving agriculture, and generating power and livelihoods.
Hirakud Dam Museum: A Walk Through Time
Alongside the symphony, the upcoming Hirakud Dam Museum promises to offer visitors a deeply engaging, educational experience. The museum will trace the history of the region from the pre-dam era of floods and famine, to the visionary leadership that built the dam, and the socio-economic changes that followed.
It will feature:
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Interactive displays
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Virtual and augmented reality experiences
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Learning zones for students and families
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Archival footage and models of the dam’s construction
The goal is to preserve the legacy of Hirakud while making it accessible and fascinating for future generations.
Sustainability, Heritage & Local Livelihoods
At a recent high-level review meeting chaired by Development Commissioner Anu Garg, officials from the Tourism Department and implementing agencies emphasized that these projects must go hand-in-hand with environmental protection, cultural preservation, and community development.
The master plan includes:
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Eco-tourism infrastructure such as floating hotels and adventure activities
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Nature trails and birdwatching zones around the reservoir
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Support for local artisans and businesses, helping generate livelihoods
The projects are being executed by the Odisha Construction Corporation (OCC) with a strong focus on quality and timely completion.
A New Future for Hirakud
Once completed, this transformation will redefine Hirakud as more than just a place to visit — it will be a place to experience, learn, reflect, and connect. Visitors will be able to enjoy scenic views, understand Odisha’s water history, and celebrate the harmony between nature, people, and engineering.
Beyond tourism, these developments represent a tribute to the resilience of the people of Odisha, the brilliance of past visionaries, and the promise of sustainable progress.
Key Highlights of Hirakud Tourism Development
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Location: Hirakud Dam, near Sambalpur, Odisha
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Main Projects:
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Water and Light Symphony (Mahanadi Storytelling Show)
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Hirakud Dam Museum (Interactive historical experience)
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Other Attractions: Floating hotels, eco-tourism zones, Gandhi Minar, adventure sports
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Goal: To create a sustainable tourism model that boosts the local economy, preserves heritage, and connects people to nature
As Odisha invests in its heritage and landscapes, Hirakud stands poised to become a beacon of thoughtful tourism — where past, present, and future come together at the banks of a mighty river.
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