Bhubaneswar: Efforts to create a master plan for developing Chilika, the largest coastal lagoon in the country, into a world class tourist destination is on the cards with State Government poised to introduce a slew of infrastructure projects in and around the zone.
As part of an Integrated Coastal Zone Master Management Project (ICZMP) carried out by IPE Global Consultancy, infrastructure projects like cruise facilities for water transport to different places of Chilika estuary, cottage at Mangalajodi and lodging facilities at Barabara are being included in a master plan to develop the tourism of Chilika and its nearby destinations like Satapada.
As many as ten such projects including a water sports park at Rambha and a convention centre at Satapada are also being planned for tourists.
A meeting to discuss on the master plan was held in this connection under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary AP Padhi here on Tuesday.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Development Commissioner R Balakrishnan said right now government is focused on creating a cluster development in cultural, socio-economic profile, folklore of Chilika tourism and also creating new amenities for tourists.
"The project is also aimed at helping local people get employment so that their living standards and socio-economic conditions are improved," ICZMP Director Ajit Patnaik told reporters. "How we can develop that uniqueness of Chilika and turn it into world class attraction is being looked at," he said.