Government to develop 6 tourism getaways

BHADRAK: Tourism spots in Bhadrak and Balasore districts are all set to get a facelift. The State Tourism Department has sanctioned ` 7.54 crore for infrastructure development of at least six tourist getaways in both the coastal districts.Scores of attractive getaways, including beaches and monumental marvels in the districts are a neglected lot. While most of them is yet to be connected with a good motorable road, many monuments are dilapidated. The destinations which would be developed include Akhandalamani temple, Biranchinarayan temple, Bhadrakali temple, Dhamra and Chandipur beaches and Hadgarh.  Sources said Rs 1.36 crore has been sanctioned for Akhandalmani temple, Rs 1.08 crore for Bhadrakali temple,  Rs 1.29 crore for Biranchinarayan temple, Rs 87 lakh for Dhamra beach, Rs 1.56 crore for Chandipur beach and Rs 1.36 crore for Hadgarh tourism complex.  Minister for Tourism and Culture Prafulla Samal told this paper that the Centre had sanctioned the money following a proposal by the State Government. The Minister has recently visited three major temples in Bhadrak district to discuss the development works to be undertaken.   “The works will be undertaken by the Orissa Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC). Once developed, these getaways would play an important role in the development of a tourist circuit in both the districts. It would also be a major attraction for both domestic and foreign tourists,” he said. In the first phase, the works would start in Biranchinarayan temple where a Panthanivas would be built at a cost of Rs 62.77 lakh and Rs 48.53 lakh will be spent on illumination. Besides, there will be a solid waste management and water recycling plants.Sources said there were over 30 tourist spots in Balasore and Bhadrak districts. But most of them are undeveloped, unknown to the tourists, ill-maintained and unhygienic. Bad roads and lack of accommodation facilities have affected the tourist footfalls.