Puri: The members of coastal land and forest security samiti are now up in arms over the proposed ambitious Shamuka beach tourism project near Puri. The members of the outfit on Friday took out a rally and staged demonstration in front of district Collectorate against the project which will come up in 3000 acres of land at Sipasarubali Mauza, 10 km south of Puri town.
As per reports, the State Government had started acquisition of land for Shamuka project at Sipasarubali Mauza by ignoring the interest of the poor and landless people some 10 years ago.
The government also cancelled the pattas issued to landless people and transfered the land to Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) for the project. Since then, the outfit has been opposing the project. The members also submitted a memorandum to the district collector seeking the intervention of Chief Minister into the matter.
The people alleged that the luxury tourist complex project will not only affect thier livelihoods but also affect the ecosystem.
"The Shamuka hotel project at Sipasarubali Mauza is anti-environment and anti-people. We want the government to cancel the initiative as soon as possible," demanded Convenor of the Samiti, Batakrushna Swain.
Sources said the project once developed will be one-stop tourist destination as it consists of hotels, resorts, spa and wellness centre, a convention centre, golf course, exhibition complex, eco parks and sports facilities.