Development Commissioner cum-ACS Anu Garg reviews Hirakud Tourism Projects

Bhubaneswar 09/10/2025: A review meeting was held on 08.10.2025, Wedness Day under the Chairpersonship of Smt. Anu Garg, IAS, Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary to Government, in the presence of senior officials of the Government of Odisha to discuss the development of two projects under the Central Scheme : Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)
The Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Tourism Department, presented a brief snapshot of the Hirakud Master Plan, followed by details of the proposed projects under the SASCI Scheme, including site-related sensitivities, required clearances, and NOCs. The detailed plan for the Water and Light Symphony was discussed, and OCC was instructed to ensure timely execution of the projects.
Key thematic aspects were emphasized, such as the storyline and theme of the Water and Light Symphony — bringing out the essence of the Mahanadi, the making of the dam (a dream realized), the story of Hirakud today, and the idea that Mahanadi is not just a river, it is us. Similarly, the storyline for the Dam Museum was discussed, focusing on pre-dam history, floods and famines, the vision and creation of the Hirakud Dam, and post-dam transformation, along with various experiential activities, AR/VR experiences, and interactive spaces.