‘Surakshit Paryatak Abhiyan’ Launched to Strengthen Beach and Waterfront Tourism Safety
Puri|Bhubaneswar, July 15, 2026 Rajat kumar Mohapatra,darshan samikhya
In a significant step towards enhancing tourist safety and strengthening Odisha’s position as a safe and responsible tourism destination, the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, in collaboration with the Odisha Fire & Emergency Services and the National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS), today launched ‘Surakshit Paryatak Abhiyan’ at Puri.
The programme was graced by the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Tourism, Smt. Pravati Parida, along with senior officials from the Department of Tourism, Odisha Fire & Emergency Services, NIWS, and other stakeholders.
As part of the programme, the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister handed over official licences to professionally trained lifeguards, recognising their successful completion of internationally benchmarked lifesaving training and their readiness to safeguard tourists and locals across Odisha’s coastline and inland water bodies.
To further strengthen emergency preparedness and rescue capabilities, the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister also inaugurated and flagged off modern beach safety and rescue equipment, including All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), rescue boards, rescue tubes, inflatable rescue boats, life jackets, communication equipment, and other specialised lifesaving gear, which will significantly enhance surveillance, rapid response, and rescue operations at beaches.
Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Pravati Parida said that ensuring the safety of every visitor is one of the Government’s highest priorities. She noted that the establishment of the Odisha State Watermanship and Lifeguard Institute (OSWALI) at Ramachandi has laid the foundation for developing a highly skilled cadre of lifeguards trained in international standards of rescue operations.
The Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister further informed that nearly 200 lifeguards have already undergone advanced training in Surf Life Saving, Open Water Rescue, Underwater Rescue, Swimming Pool Rescue, CPR, First Aid, and emergency response techniques, equipping them to effectively respond to emergencies and ensure visitor safety at Odisha’s beaches and water tourism destinations.
She emphasised that Surakshit Paryatak Abhiyan is not merely a safety initiative but a long-term commitment to making Odisha one of India’s safest tourism destinations. The initiative aligns with the Government of Odisha’s vision of promoting responsible, sustainable, and safe tourism, while reinforcing the State’s reputation as a preferred destination for beach, adventure, and water-based tourism.
The programme concluded with a demonstration of modern rescue equipment and techniques and emergency response capabilities by the trained lifeguards, reaffirming Odisha’s commitment to providing a safe and memorable experience to every visitor.
_ Department of Tourism
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