The Odisha government is exploring a new mechanism to lease land for short-gestation tourism and hospitality projects, such as tent cities and glamping facilities, on a shorter-term basis. Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh has written to the Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Idco), requesting a framework for leasing government land for these projects for shorter durations, instead of the existing 99-year lease model that is generally followed for hospitality ventures.
Shift from Long-Term Leases
Singh noted that while long-term leases are suitable for conventional hotels and resorts, emerging tourism formats like tent cities, glamping, and other low-impact experiential accommodations are operationally different and typically have a project life cycle of up to 30 years. The tourism department has asked Idco to explore and implement an appropriate mechanism to lease land for these projects for periods of up to 30 years, or for durations deemed suitable on a case-to-case basis. This would be based on recommendations from the tourism department after approval from the competent single window authority under the Odisha Tourism Policy.
Promoting Eco-Friendly Tourism
Singh said the move is aimed at promoting innovative and eco-friendly tourism products while ensuring optimal utilisation of land resources. The department has also stressed the need to consider the nature of the project, investment profile, and sustainability aspects before allotting land. Currently, the tourism department hosts glamping events at destinations like Konark, Koraput, Bhitarkanika, and Daringbadi, among others. The proposed framework is expected to encourage investment in flexible and experience-based tourism infrastructure like eco-retreats across the state.
About the Author: Diana Sahu is an Assistant Editor with the Times of India. With a professional career spanning nearly two decades, she has been writing extensively on education, livelihood, child rights, gender, heritage and culture, tourism, and disability rights. She is also known for her data-driven investigative reports and compelling human interest stories. Her in-depth story on 'Women in Higher Education' won her the Best Feature Award at the Laadli Media Awards and a Laadli National Fellowship on 'Gender and Disability'. She also received the WNCB Fellowship on Child Rights. Apart from her core reporting interests, she loves documenting the many aspects of Odisha's culture and heritage.
