IPE Global, the largest development consulting firm of South-Asia, has been awarded the work for preparation of an outline regional-responsible tourism master plan for Chilika lake and its catchment area under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP) of Odisha.The contract awarded by the State Project Management Unit (SPMU) and the Chilika Development Authority, would be implemented with an objective to promote responsible tourism in the State.
The ICZMP is an initiative of the State Project Management Unit (SPMU) under the Department of Environment, Government of Odisha funded by the World Bank. The plan would also focus on conservation and optimum utilisation of natural resources in compliance with environmental and ecological laws and regulations.
“Chilika lake is known for its outstanding natural, cultural and historical heritage. Through our efforts of framing a tourism master plan project, we are aiming at giving a big boost to the State’s tourism, employment generation and contribution to an all-encompassing economic growth of the State,” said Chairman and Managing Director, IPE Global Ashwajit Singh.
An inception workshop on ‘Tourism Master Plan for the Chilika Llake and its Catchment in Odisha’ was recently organised here. The exercise of framing a tourism master plan for the lake and its catchment area is being undertaken with the objective of conservation of ecological resources in the lake and its catchment, promotion of sustainable use of the lake and its resource basin and appropriate economic activities to benefit the local communities.