Work on the Puri beach beautification project is likely to commence in a week. The beautification of the pilgrim city will likely attract more tourists.
The state government earmarks an investment of Rs 116 crore for the project, which will improve tourist amenities at the beach. Under this project, a 7 km long stretch, starting from the Mangala river mouth to Penthakata near Shri Jagannath Sanskrit University will be developed.
The project includes the construction of a floating geosynthetic wall into the sea near Swargadwar. Tourists can travel into the sea on the floating bridge. A jetty will be constructed near the Mangala river mouth. The beach will also have a walking track, changing room, safe bathing zone, toilets and a multi-storeyed parking lot will be constructed with the modernization of the traffic system.
Meanwhile, a five-member expert team headed by a marine science professor at Berhampur University visited the city recently, to prepare the project report. The report has got public support due to its environmental concerns.