Bhubaneswar, Feb 24: In a bid to promote beach tourism in the state, Odisha government has decided to develop Talsari beach in Balasore with Udayapur-Talasari- Chandanwswar-Bichirtapur-Bhusandeswar tourist circuit.
The proposal in this regard got a positive response at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary A P Padhi here on Tuesday.
Considering tourism potential of the spots, the Chief Secretary advised the tourism department to prepare a detail proposal with financial outlay for approval of the government.
The Balasore District Collector and Divisional Forest Officer, Balasore participating in the meeting over video conference, were asked to identify around 50 acre of land for development of the project and take other preliminary steps.
Development Commissioner R Balakrishnan suggested formation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for implementation and maintenance of the project.
Talsari beach with its calm ambiance, unique receding waters and tropical weather has considerable potential.
Currently, thousands of day visitors mainly from Digha are visiting Talsari, Udaypur and Bichitrapur.
According to an official estimate, day visitors to Talasari were around 1,46,704 in 2012 which increased to 1,93,789 in 2014.
Infrastructural works like development of pathway, illumination, water sports facilities, a foot overbridge on the creek to connect main land to Subarna Beach, renovation of fishery jetty, Tourist Reception Centre, food court and cafeteria, change room with cloak room, amphitheatre, parking, landscape, beach furniture, site development and solid waste management facilities have been proposed for development of the project.
The initial investment for infrastructure development of the circuit has been estimated at Rs 4302 crore.
“We have been directed to implement the project soon. The beach is about 80 kilometre from Balasore town. Talsari beach would be developed into a world class beach with all the facilities desired by a modern tourist,” Tourism Secretary G K Dhal said.
