Bhubaneswar- Deputy Chief Minister Smt Pravati Parida and Minister for Law, Works and Excise Prithiviraj Harichandan on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting to discuss the preparation of a comprehensive master plan for the integrated development of Chilika Lake, the Kalijai Temple and the Satapada region.
The meeting focused on developing Asia's largest brackish water lagoon and Ramsar Site into a world-class tourism destination while ensuring the conservation of its unique ecology, biodiversity and natural beauty.
Deputy Chief Minister Smt Pravati Parida stressed the need to strengthen tourism infrastructure and improve visitor amenities in and around Chilika. She emphasised that the region should be developed into an internationally acclaimed tourism destination with world-class hospitality facilities while ensuring the holistic development of the revered Maa Kalijai Temple.
Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan highlighted the importance of preparing a robust development blueprint with special focus on strengthening road connectivity and other public infrastructure to accelerate the region's overall development. He also underscored the need for environmentally sensitive development that preserves Chilika's fragile ecosystem.
During the meeting, various agencies presented conceptual master plans for the region's development. The proposals included construction of improved road networks, development of modern jetties, parking facilities, bird-viewing points, cycling tracks, roller skating zones, water sports and boating facilities, trekking routes, tree houses, open food courts, picnic areas and installation of public art showcasing Odisha's rich cultural heritage.
The meeting also discussed the proposed Greenfield Road connecting Gopalpur to Bahuda, along with plans to promote tourism in the surrounding areas through improved connectivity and infrastructure.
Among others, OBCC Managing Director Anupam Saha, Tourism Director Deepankar Mohapatra, Puri Collector Divyajyoti Parida, Commissioner of Endowments Satyanarayan Sadangi, Engineer-in-Chief (Civil) Satyabrata Behera, Engineer-in-Chief (Buildings) Priyabrata Samantaray, Chief Engineer Trinath Behera, members of the Kalijai Temple Trust Board and temple servitors were present in the meeting.
