Konark: Puri district administration has chalked out plans to construct a floating bridge on Konark beach. Collector Samarth Verma and Additional Collector Binaya Kumar Dash along with several other senior officials visited the beach and identified a location for the proposed bridge, Tuesday afternoon.
With the arrival of winter, the administration has started preparation for a slew of events to bump up tourist footfall in the district. Eco Retreat near Ramachandi muhana (sea-mouth) along Konark-Puri coastline, Konark Dance & Music Festival and International Sand Art Festival at Chandrabhaga beach are in the pipeline to be organised here.
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Verma also reviewed progress of ongoing works for the mega events at Ramachandi, Chandrabhaga and open-air theatre at Konark. The dilapidated beach road at Ramachandi locality is being repaired on war-footing following which provision of drinking water, cleaning the surrounding areas and erection of temporary tents including adequate electrification will be carried out, an administrative official stated.
Leaving apart a distance of 30 metre from the seashore, around 50 tents with modern amenities including security of the occupants will be erected on Konark beach. Proposed floating bridge will be constructed nearby. The tourists will be able to enjoy parasailing and Yoga.
“Upcoming mega events will be conducted by strictly adhering to the Covid-19 safety protocols. Cultural programmes and erection of stalls have been cancelled in view of the pandemic,” the official said.
Konark notified area council (NAC) executive officer Akruti Goenka, tourist officers Sarojkanta Pradhan and Amiya Kumar Sethy, Gop tehsildar SK Sagir accompanied the Collector during his review.
PNN