What is in news : The Odisha Forest and Environment Department is all set to begin ‘Island Odyssey’ and ‘Hirakud Cruise’ ecotourism packages for tourists to islands inside the reservoir when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. ‘Cattle island’, one of three islands in the Hirakud reservoir, has been selected as a sight-seeing destination.

About HIRAKUD :

• Hirakud Dam is built across the Mahanadi River, close to Sambalpur city in Odisha in India.
• Type: It is a composite structure of earth, concrete and masonry. It is the longest major earthen dam in India.
• Background: It is one of the first major multipurpose river valley projects started after India’s independence and began operations in 1957.
• With successful irrigation provided by the dam, Sambalpur is called the rice bowl of Odisha.