Bhubaneswar, Dec 12:Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today inaugurated the Odisha Watermanship and Lifeguard Institute (OSWALI) at Ramchandi near Konark, marking a major step forward in strengthening the state’s coastal security, watermanship skills, and emergency response capabilities.
The newly established institute aspires to emerge as a premier national and international hub for water safety, lifeguard training, and coastal resilience.
During the inauguration, the foundation stone was also laid for a state-of-the-art scuba complex that will support advanced underwater rescue training. An MoU was signed between the Odisha Tourism Department and Odisha Fire and Emergency Services to develop safety standards for water sports, conduct professional lifeguard training, and boost adventure and coastal tourism in the state.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister stressed that OSWALI will significantly enhance Odisha’s preparedness for natural disasters and climate-related challenges.
He noted that the centre will provide specialised training to fire service personnel, central paramilitary forces, NDRF teams, police units, and volunteers from across India.
“We are establishing this training centre for the entire country. Therefore, ensure its timely completion, proper maintenance, and effective functioning,” the Chief Minister said.
“This institute will enhance the prestige of our state and give Odisha a new identity as a leader in disaster management training. Personnel from other states will come here to learn from Odisha’s model,” he said.
He added that the institute is already training participants from Nagaland, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and other states.
Developed at a cost of ₹12 crore, OSWALI has earned national recognition for its training standards. The Odisha Police Housing Corporation has been instructed to accelerate the construction of the upcoming scuba complex.
The Tourism Department plans to utilise the centre in two key ways: training lifeguards deployed at tourist destinations, hotels, and other public locations for enhanced visitor safety; and expanding facilities for adventure water sports. With the state’s recently adopted adventure sports policy, tourists will soon be able to enjoy scuba diving experiences using the institute’s advanced training infrastructure.
