While the Government of India is promoting river cruise tourism by tapping immense potentials of rivers, Odisha is missing the opportunity.
At least eight MoUs have been signed in Mumbai in the presence of Union Ministers of Tourism and Shipping, but Odisha was left out as there were no takers for river cruise tourism in this Eastern State. States like Assam and West Bengal grabbed the opportunity.
In Odisha there are three prime river cruise circuits which can be developed on the Mahanadi river, Chilika Lake and Dangmala reserve forest and this would also include the National Waterway-5 from Dhamra to Paradip.
Chilika is the largest saltwater lake in Asia and a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. There are also several ecosystems and accommodations in the region.
The Bhitarkanika circuit can connect spots like Chandbali-Aradi-Dhamara-Khola in Bhitarkanika.
But there is hardly any drive to attract major players to tap the opportunities, said an industry expert.
