Bhitarkanika National Park Set for Major Tourism Revamp: What’s in Store?

Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha is gearing up for a significant transformation to enhance its tourism appeal. Following a recent announcement by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Tourism Secretary Balwant Singh has initiated a comprehensive survey of the park and its surroundings. Plans include the development of jetties, footpaths, and facilities like an interpretation center and food court. With a focus on making Bhitarkanika a leading ecotourism destination, the state government is set to draft a master plan to revitalize the park and allocate necessary funding. This initiative aims to attract more visitors and improve the overall infrastructure of this ecological treasure.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 28, 2025, 10:15 IST

Transforming Bhitarkanika into an Ecotourism Hub

Rajnagar: Bhitarkanika, recognized as Odisha's inaugural national park and a key natural attraction, is poised for significant enhancements aimed at boosting tourism. Despite its ecological richness, the park's tourism facilities have not kept pace with other well-known sites in the state. Although various administrations have proposed development plans in the past, actual progress has been minimal. Now, the state government is determined to elevate Bhitarkanika into a leading ecotourism destination.

In light of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's recent commitment to its development, Tourism Secretary Balwant Singh has conducted a two-day inspection of Bhitarkanika and its access points. Singh's visit aimed to evaluate the current state of the park and its surroundings. Official reports indicate that a comprehensive master plan will soon be drafted to revitalize the park, along with the allocation of necessary funds. Singh also plans to explore nearby areas such as Gupti, Khola, Chandbali, and Dhamara to assess available government land and strategize potential tourism initiatives.

Officials have announced that a detailed master plan will be prepared shortly to initiate development efforts. With the rising influx of visitors to Pentha beach, plans are underway to establish a Blue Flag beach there. Additionally, jetties will be constructed at various locations including Gupti, Khola, Dangamal, Bhitarkanika, Chandbali, Jaynagar Ghat, and Kasturikana. At the creek area of Dangamal, a footpath made of paver blocks will be created, along with a new entry gate at the Dangamal access point. An interpretation center, food court, and a parking facility near Aranya Nivas, the forest rest house, are also part of the upcoming developments.

The district administration has been tasked with compiling a report on the availability of government land at these sites to facilitate the planned infrastructure upgrades. A team of officials, including DFO Sudarshan Gopinath Yadav, ADM Manas Kumar Das, Eastern Division Superintendent Engineer Ratikanta Behera, Assistant Executive Engineer Krupasindhu Dhal, and Assistant Engineer Biswa Ranjan Swain, conducted inspections over the two-day period.