Chandipur beach in Odisha's Balasore set for Rs 11 crore makeover to achieve Blue Flag status

In a bid to develop and promote sustainable, eco-friendly tourism in the state, plans are afoot for the transformation of Chandipur beach in Balasore to a Blue Flag beach with Rs 2 crore out of a planned Rs 11 crore already sanctioned to the district authorities for preliminary developments.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who also holds the Tourism department portfolio, conducted an aerial survey of the Chandipur beach area on Friday and highlighted the immense tourism potential of the Chandipur beach, while stating plans for its imminent development and upkeep.

In an interaction with OTV, the Dy CM stated that Chandipur stands out as one of the most pristine beaches of Odisha and that with proper investment and amenities, the site could turn into a popular tourist hub.

“This beach is endowed with bountiful natural treasures along with islands in the vicinity, which could serve well for tourists’ interests. There is a lack of investment in this area, but with its planned redevelopment, many amenities and activities would sprout up, bringing in a large footfall,” she stated.

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Current and proposed plans:

Plans include obtaining a Blue Flag certification for the beach, which would classify it as a world-class, ecologically friendly hotspot. Thereafter, water sports and an eco-retreat camp would come up to attract tourists.

Similar to her earlier plans of promoting Odisha as a preferred stop for destination weddings, the Deputy CM spoke of plans for facilitating beachfront events, which would adhere to sustainable tourism norms.

“As more and more investors come in and develop facilities, footfall will increase. The government would facilitate the setting up of shops and establishments,” said Pravati Parida.

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In the same talks, she ensured that the plans would not lie hanging in the planning stage. “I arrived here (Chandipur beach) with a convoy of local legislators and district administration officials to personally check plans and hand out instructions for their approval. Funds required for the project would be sanctioned at the earliest to ensure a timely completion,” she added.