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| Kerala beaches to get Rs 72cr facelift |
| Shahani Fatima / Chennai Jun 19, 2009, 00:52 IST |
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With the International tourism season starting in Kerala from September, the state tourism department is lining up an investment of Rs 72 crore to give a facelift to one of its prime natural assets – beaches.
The renovation – proposed under a project christened ‘Ente Theeram’ (my shore) – will include new walkways, anti-littering measures, landscaping, police aid posts and illumination at important beaches of the state. The project, funds for which were allocated under the tsunami rehabilitation programme by the Centre, is expected to be completed by October.
According to M Sivasankar, director, Kerala Tourism, the 575-kilometre-long coastal line of Kerala provides ample tourism opportunities and the beaches need to be revamped as well as protected to promote the premium brand.
“Apart from the infrastructural renovation, an artificial reef, a first-of-its-kind for the Indian beaches, will be constructed in Kovalam with an outlay of Rs 15 crore to prevent coastal soil erosion,” he added. With the artificial reef in place, the Kovalam beach will also turn into a hot spot for surfing and other water sports.
Beach tourism is an important sector of Kerala’s tourism. According to its district-wise tourism statistics, four of the five top-visited districts in the state last year were the coastal districts. “The state expects a growth of 8 to 10 per cent in tourist inflow this year,” Sivasankar said.
Apart from beach renovation, Kerala Tourism will also invest around Rs 30 crore in destination development. Popular destinations in the state have already been identified and funds were allocated through the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC).
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