Chhatrapur: In a significant boost to tourism, Gopalpur-on-Sea beach and Biju Patnaik beach in Nolia Nuagan near Podampeta village in Ganjam district are set to be upgraded to the Blue Flag Beach category.
Ganjam district has a 61-kilometre coastline, and Sunapur beach is currently the only Blue Flag certified beach in the district. With the addition of two more beaches, Ganjam is poised to have the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the state.
Ganjam Collector V Keerthi Vasan and Berhampur Municipal Commissioner Prathamesh Arvind Rajshirke recently inspected the district’s coastal stretch to assess the feasibility of the proposed upgrades.
Officials said Gopalpur-on-Sea, already a well-known tourist destination, has the potential to meet the required infrastructure norms.
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Biju Patnaik beach near Podampeta, though relatively unexplored, holds strong potential to emerge as a major attraction once developed.
The Collector said detailed project reports (DPR) for both beaches have been prepared by the Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) and submitted to the state Tourism department.
An amount of Rs 30 crore has been sanctioned for the development of Gopalpur-on-Sea beach, and the tender process is currently underway.
“Once the tender process is finalised, work will begin soon to create all the facilities required for Blue Flag certification,” the Collector said, adding that the municipal corporation will execute both projects.
Blue Flag certification is awarded to beaches that meet strict international standards for cleanliness, safety, environmental management and accessibility.
Local residents and tourism experts have welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that the projects will lead to increased tourist inflow and economic growth in the region.
They said improved infrastructure and global recognition would help position Ganjam as a major coastal tourism hub.
Officials said the projects are expected to be completed in phases, with a focus on sustainable development and environmental protection.
