Odisha Launches Sustainable Tourism Drive with Eco Retreats and Water Safety Institute

13 Dec 2025, 06:57 by Vinay Kakkad · KalingaTV

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi officially inaugurated the seventh edition of the flagship Eco Retreat Parks and the state’s first-ever Odisha Watermanship and Lifeguard Institute (OSWALI) on Friday, signaling a major push towards sustainable tourism, eco-conservation, and enhanced coastal safety.

The twin events, held near Ramachandi beach in Puri, are part of the state government’s commitment to position Odisha as a premier eco-cultural tourism hub in Asia.

Eco Retreats: Combining Luxury with Nature

The Eco Retreat initiative, set to run until March 12, 2026, offers tourists a unique blend of pristine natural settings and five-star-like amenities, positioning itself as a premier ‘glamping’ experience.

Accommodation and Pricing: The retreats feature luxurious accommodations ranging from Deluxe and Premium Cottages to the exclusive Presidential and Royal Villas. Tariffs are structured to accommodate various preferences, with nightly rates spanning from ₹5,400 to ₹30,000.
Widespread Availability: This season, the Tourism Department has expanded the retreat’s presence to seven distinct and scenic locations across the state: Ramachandi (Konark), Bhitarkanika, Satkosia, Hirakud, Daringbadi, Sonapur, and Putsil.
Activities and Amenities: Guests are offered a comprehensive package of activities designed to connect them with the coastal environment, including watersports, parasailing, cycling, and beach volleyball, complemented by wellness activities like yoga. For relaxation and socializing, the retreat boasts beach shacks, two separate bars, and conference hall facilities.
Booking: Reservations for the luxury stays can be made directly through the platform bookodisha.com.

Economic Vision: The Chief Minister stressed that the Eco Retreat model has gained national recognition and serves as a blueprint for other states. He outlined Odisha’s ambitious vision to become one of Asia’s top five Eco-Cultural Tourism Hubs by 2036, targeting 50 million domestic and 700,000 foreign tourists annually by 2047, emphasizing the need for public-private partnerships (PPP) to achieve these goals.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida endorsed the initiative, stating, “The Eco Retreat Odisha offers a truly unforgettable experience, combining serene landscapes, premium glamping stays, cultural trails, and authentic local cuisines. Explore the magic of Odisha, where every destination tells a unique story.”

OSWALI: A National Hub for Water Safety

The newly inaugurated Odisha Watermanship and Lifeguard Institute (OSWALI) at Ramachandi beach marks a significant advancement in coastal security and emergency response capabilities.

State-of-the-Art Facility: Established by the Odisha Fire and Emergency Services Department at a cost of approximately ₹12 crore, the institute will function as a dedicated, national-level training center for water safety and rescue operations.
Comprehensive Training: It will provide specialized training in areas like swimming, power-boat operation, sea and still-water safety, scuba diving, and deep-water diving. The institute is set to train not only state personnel but also fire brigades, paramilitary forces, NDRF, police, and volunteers from across the country.
Focus on Tourism: The institute will also play a dual role by training lifeguards for tourist safety at various attractions and providing facilities for adventurous water sports, including scuba diving experiences for tourists, in line with the state’s recently adopted adventure sports policy.
Strategic Collaboration: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Odisha Tourism Department, the Odisha Fire and Emergency Services, and the National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS), Goa, to collaborate on water sports safety standards, professional lifeguard training, and capacity building.

The tourism boost comes as Odisha simultaneously reinforces its commitment to the environment and clean energy, with the CM mentioning the state’s roadmap to achieve net zero emissions and its work on renewable energy initiatives.