Bat Island in Odisha set to lure tourists interested in eco-tourism

The Odisha government has decided to develop the unexplored and lesser-known Bat Island near the Hirakud Dam Reservoir as an attraction for eco-tourists. Not many are aware of the fact that the Mahanadi River Island is home to around a thousand bats. People will be able to visit the island as a part of Hirakud Cruise, which will be launched by the Forest and Environment department by the state government.

The forest officials have also enrolled 12 fishermen families for the conservation of the island. The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Hirakud, Anshu Pragyan Das said, “It will start as soon as ecotourism opens post-COVID lockdown.”
She further said that in the initial one month, there will be a night stay package at Debrigarh Ecotourism run by communities where they have 14 cottages for night stay.
She also added, “The cruise will be gradually expanded with other components. There will be one to four hours packages with and without Island Odyssey respectively. It is likely to be initiated from October.”

More about the Bat Island

Located close to village Mahutalu, Bat Island is 10 km from the zero point of Hirakud Dam, and a kilometer from the Debrigarh ecotourism. To reach the island, one will have to take a 20 minutes boat ride from Hirakud Dam. Around 20 to 25 families of fishermen have been living in the village here. In summers, the water in the dam dries up and connects the village with Bat Island. The island is spread across an area of around two hectare and is a resting and nesting ground for more than a thousand bats.
Eco-tourists will be allowed to see the bats from a certain distance only, so that no disturbance is caused to the animals.

People will be accompanied by trained eco-guides and binoculars will be provided to tourists to watch the bats.