After the decision to introduce shacks at the beach in Puri to offer Goa-like experience to tourists drew flak from various quarters, the Odisha Government on Friday decided against going ahead with the plans.
Earlier, the State Government had decided to introduce the facility of shacks at six beaches offering tourists to enjoy the best of food, chilled beverages and music by the sea. The Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) had invited applications for the operation of shacks, the deadline of which was set to end today.
However, more than 50 organisations came together and strongly opposed the OTDC’s proposal. The organisations maintained that they will not allow the OTDC to go ahead with the plan which will encourage drinking of liquor on the beach at a sacred place like Puri.
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Bowing to the criticisms and pressure from several quarters, the State Government has finally decided to drop the project.
“The State Government has decided to drop the project of introducing shacks at Puri beach. Puri is a heritage city and it has spiritual significance. We will try to develop it in that way only,” said Puri Collector Samarth Verma.
“We will not take any step that will negatively impact the heritage city of Puri,” assured Verma.
As per the government plans, five shacks on the Puri-Konark Marine Drive in Puri district and five others at Gopalpur beach in Ganjam district were to be allowed to open.