ROURKELA: Visitors to the picturesque Pitamahal irrigation dam near Rourkela will soon get to enjoy water sports facilities. While the State Government has approved a proposal to introduce water sports in the dam, the local tourism officials are working on giving a new look to the tourist site. The reservoir will also witness scientific fishing soon.
The dam reservoir, constructed way back in 1978 at Pitamahal of Balanda panchayat in Lathikata block of Sundargarh district, about 19 km from Rourkela, has capacity to irrigate about 2,600 hectares (ha) in kharif season and 1,600 ha in rabi season.
District Tourism Officer Jayashree Dasmohapatra said covered and open picnic ‘pindis’, concrete pathways, toilet blocks and sitting cabins have been constructed at a cost of around `43 lakh, while the Irrigation division has been entrusted to refurbish the dam park at a cost of `30 lakh. She said footfall of tourists is on the rise.
The proposals by Kalinga Divers Foundation Trust (KDFT) to promote cage fish farming in the dam water and introduce water sports have been approved by the State Government.
KDFT founder Sabir Bux said a trial of water sports was done on January 26 and from February end, services of family boat, water scooter and paddle boats would be available. He said the foundation would also impart training to locals in diving, snorekeling and kayaking.
The KDFT is also working to promote cage fish farming involving the local fishing community in which, fingerlings would be raised in a protected water area to get high return. He said about 180 local youths are into traditional fishing and 22 of them have received advanced training in water sports.