Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday inaugurated the Odisha Watermanship and Life Guard Institute (OSWALI) at Konark, marking a major milestone in strengthening aquatic rescue, coastal safety, and disaster preparedness in the state. The institute has been developed as a national level training facility aimed at enhancing professional expertise in water safety, lifesaving operations, and emergency response.

Along with the inauguration of OSWALI, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art SCUBA complex that will significantly expand advanced underwater rescue and diving training capabilities across Odisha. The initiative is expected to play a crucial role in improving preparedness against natural disasters and climate-related risks, particularly in coastal regions.

During the program, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Odisha Tourism Department and Odisha Fire and Emergency Services to strengthen coordination in safety and training. In addition, a tripartite MoU was signed among Odisha Tourism, Odisha Fire and Emergency Services, and the National Institute of Water Sports Goa. The agreement focuses on developing water sports safety standards, conducting professional lifeguard training, capacity building, and expanding adventure and coastal tourism in Odisha.

Trained personnel from Odisha Fire and Emergency Services showcased an impressive watermanship demonstration, highlighting rescue techniques, lifesaving skills, and coastal emergency preparedness. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, was present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Majhi referred to the timeless Odia poem ‘Ramchandi Re Sandhya’ by Pandit Nilakantha Dash and underlined the cultural and geographical significance of the region. He stated that OSWALI will evolve into a dedicated national and international centre for water safety, lifeguard training, and coastal resilience. The institute will significantly boost Odisha’s capacity to respond to disasters intensified by climate change.

The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening fire services, improving emergency response systems, and expanding training opportunities for officers and youth. OSWALI has been constructed near Ramachandi Peeth by the State Fire and Emergency Services Department at a cost of Rs 12 crore. The institute is designed to strengthen professional skills in aquatic rescue and lifesaving techniques.

The campus infrastructure includes barracks with accommodation for 100 trainees, an officers’ mess, administrative blocks, and a canteen. The comprehensive training curriculum covers swimming, power boat handling, sea and still water safety, scuba diving, and deep water diving, making it one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in the country.

Chief Minister Majhi noted that OSWALI will provide training to fire services personnel from across India, Central Armed Police Forces, NDRF, police, home guards, and volunteers involved in disaster rescue operations. He said that outside the Navy, this is the first institute of its kind in the country, justifying its recognition as a national level training centre.

He further informed that an additional Rs 10 crore has been sanctioned to strengthen the scuba training facility. Trainees from states such as Nagaland, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh are already undergoing training at the institute. Recently, OSWALI has also provided scuba training to NDRF personnel and fire fighting training to Navy personnel, earning national recognition.

Calling the agreement between the Tourism Department and Fire Services Department historic, the Chief Minister highlighted that Odisha has recently adopted an Adventure Sports Policy. He added that with the development of the scuba training facility, tourists visiting the state will also be able to experience scuba diving, thereby boosting adventure tourism and coastal tourism in Odisha.

With OSWALI receiving national recognition and attracting trainees from across the country, the Chief Minister emphasized the collective responsibility to nurture and expand the institute further, positioning Odisha as a leader in water safety, rescue training, and adventure tourism in India.