Kendrapara: False Point lighthouse in Mahakalpada block of Kendrapara district is set to get a major facelift to attract tourists. An attractive gallery, a jetty, rest houses, Jatri Nivas and a market place to sell the indigenous handicraft and other items will be set up here.
Solar power will be used at all these facilities. Four other light houses will also be developed in the state. The development of the light houses will be carried out on PPP mode under Sagaramala project.
A proposal to this effect has been sent by the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to the state government. About 65 light houses across the country will be developed.
Tourist footfall to the False Point lighthouse is increasing every year. But absence of a bridge across Kharinasi river is a hurdle. The False Point lighthouse is located on the bank of Kharinasi river, 45 km from the district headquarters.
After development of the light house, tourists will be able to see the mangrove forest, salt water crocodiles and other marine creatures from close proximity.
The False Point lighthouse was the first lighthouse made on the east coast of India. Its construction was started in 1819 and was completed in 1826.
However, over years, some parts of the lighthouse began to crumble. Its renovation was carried out in 1936. Blocks of stones from Cuttack’s Barabati Fort have been used for the 125-high lighthouse.
It was lighted with petroleum gas October 16, 1836. The then Lieutenant Governor of Bengal, Sir Ashley Eden, inaugurated the lighthouse in 1880.
PNN