Context: 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.

‘Cattle island’

• One of three islands in the Hirakud reservoir, has been selected as a sight-seeing destination.
• During the resettlement period after the Hirakud dam’s construction was over, villagers left.
• A massive herd of cattle has grown here wild in the forests of the island in decades thereafter.

‘Island of Bats’

• Also within the reservoir, just 1 km away from the Debrigarh ecotourism project.
• It is the habitat of hundreds of bats. 
• Tourists will get the opportunity to see the bats on the island from a distance.
• 12 local fishermen families have been enrolled for conservation of the island.

‘Sunset island’

• It is one of the three stops on the unique boat ride.
• Tourists can also get a magnificent view of the sunset from the reservoir.