Odisha for infra development of Talsari beach

BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government has decided to develop Talsari Beach of Balasore along with Udayapur-Talasari-Chandanwswar-Bichirtapur-Bhubaneswar tourist circuit as a beach tourism destination.

The initial investment for infrastructure development of the circuit has been estimated at Rs.4302 crore.

The proposal for this has been discussed in a high-level meeting held under the chairmanship of chief secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi at the state secretariat here on Tuesday.

Considering tourism potential of the spots, Padhi advised the department of tourism to prepare a detail project proposal with financial outlay for approval of the government.

The chief secretary also asked the district collector, Balasore and divisional forestoOfficer, Balasore participating in the meeting over video conference to identify around 50 acres of land for development of the project and initiate other preliminary steps.

Development Commissioner R. Balakrishnan advised forming an SPV for implementation and maintenance of the project.

Talsari beach with its calm ambience, unique receding waters and the tropical weather has the potential of a sought after beach destination in the country. Currently, thousands of day visitors mainly from Digha are visiting Talsari, Udaypur and Bichitrapur.

An estimate shows that day visitors to Talasari were around 14,6704 in 2012 which increased to 19,3789 in 2014.

The infrastructural works like development of pathway, illumination, water sports facilities, a foot over bridge 300 mt long over the creek to connect the mainland to Subarna Beach, renovation of fishery jetty, Tourist Reception Centre and public convenience, food court and cafeteria would be carried out.

MLA Bhogarai and government Chief Whip Ananta Das outlined the necessity and justification of a special project for the circuit.  Tourism secretary Gagan Dhal presented the updates for discussion.