The Odisha tourism department has identified several sites in Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Jagatsinghpur, Ganjam, and Puri districts as potential new water sports destinations. The department has begun examining the technical feasibility of introducing water sports activities at these locations, with the assessment expected to conclude within this month.
Go Adventure portal receives applications
According to tourism director Deepankar Mohapatra, several applications for water adventure activities in the five districts have been received through the department's Go Adventure portal. In a letter to the collectors of these districts, Mohapatra stated that the proposed sites would undergo a technical feasibility assessment under the Odisha Adventure Tourism Guidelines, 2025.
Verification and inspection teams
The verification team will include a technical expert from the National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS) in Goa, representatives from the Adventure Tourism Technical Cell (ATTC) of the tourism department, and members of the district level committees (DLCs). Field inspections at the identified sites are scheduled to continue until May 20.
Role of District Level Committees
The DLCs, constituted under the Odisha Adventure Tourism Guidelines, 2025, are responsible for identifying, mapping, and technically assessing adventure tourism sites. Mohapatra has asked the DLCs to submit feasibility reports, including safety standard assessments, to the state-level technical committee for further examination and approval.
Go Adventure portal launch
The state government launched the Go Adventure portal in February this year for registration, verification, and licensing of adventure tourism projects. Earlier, deputy chief minister Pravati Parida had said that adventure tourism would boost Odisha's tourism sector, create new opportunities, and position the state as a major destination for adventure and water-based experiences.
Plans for aero-based adventure tourism
Apart from water sports, the department is also planning aero-based adventure tourism at several locations across Odisha. It has requested the Aero Club of India to conduct feasibility studies at Chandipur and Udaypur-Talasari in Balasore district; Puri beach and Satpada; Deomali and Talamali in Koraput district; and the Lower Balijatra Ground in Cuttack for aero-based adventure activities.
