Expedite development of Chaumukh-Dagara beach in Balasore: Orissa HC directs Odisha govt

The Orissa High Court has directed the Odisha Tourism Department to accelerate the long-pending development of the Chaumukh-Dagara sea beach in Balasore district and ensure that the project is completed at the earliest.

The directive was issued on Tuesday by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M.S. Raman while disposing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that sought judicial intervention to revive the stalled tourism project.

According to The New Indian Express, the PIL was filed by Baliapal residents Anoj Kumar Mohapatra and Rajesh Choudhury, who drew the court’s attention to the prolonged delay in developing the picturesque beach despite its immense tourism potential.

The petition noted that the Tourism Department had identified the Chaumukh-Dagara coastline as a promising tourist destination way back in 1998. With its pristine natural beauty, strategic location, and closeness to river estuaries, the site could emerge as a major attraction capable of boosting the state’s tourism economy. 

The petitioners argued that its development would not only attract visitors but also create employment opportunities, enhance business prospects, and improve the socio-economic conditions of the local population.

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During the hearing, Additional Government Advocate Debasish Tripathy informed the court that the Basic Tourism Infrastructural Development Project for Chaumukh-Dagara beach has already begun moving forward.  He stated that land demarcation for the project has been completed, and construction work is expected to commence shortly. After taking note of the progress, the High Court directed the Tourism Department to expedite all pending work and ensurethe  timely implementation of the project.