Baliapal: Compared to other beaches in the state, Dagara beach under this block in Balasore district is said to be the most beautiful. The serene beach, hissing casuarinas and above all the swift-clawed red crabs are enough to beckon tourists from far and wide. Sadly, the state government is yet to tap its tourism potential as several infrastructure projects have been hanging fire for various reasons.
Among the projects that have not been executed are a tourist corridor, a Panthanivas and a marine police station, which are essential for visitors.
The beach also lacks a good motorable road and provision of drinking water and electricity at the nearby inspection bungalow.
According to reliable sources, the Panthanivas project is yet to see the light of the day as the forest department has not given its approval. It is alleged that the development of the beach has not been carried forward due to political and administrative apathy.
Locals and travel agencies said, “Dagara will hold a prime place in the tourism map of India, if its development is taken care of. Sadly, our hopes for its development are vanishing into thin air.”
Dagara beach, 12 km from the block headquarters, spreads from Kanakadapal near Kirtania outfall to Hanskara near Jambirai. Tourists come to the place on a daily basis but not in large numbers, to enjoy the calm and tranquil beach and witness the red crabs scooting away in a jiffy.
It was declared a tourist site 10 years ago, but its development work is in limbo.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, January 29, 2016, had laid the foundation stone for a tourist corridor and a Panthanivas at an estimated cost of `1.66 crore.
State tourism minister Ashok Kumar Panda had assured the people that there would be no constraint of funds for Dagara beach. Panda had also assured that apart from Dagara, special attention would be given to the beaches at Chandipur, Udaypur and Talsari. In addition, the authorities had planned to set up a marine police station for coastal security.
“Though seven months have passed since the foundation stone laying ceremony, these projects have not yet been initiated,” locals lamented.
Land has been identified for the Panthanivas, but the forest department has not given any permission.
Visitors experience a bumpy ride on a 12-km stretch from Baliapal Chhak to the beach, as it is replete with potholes and craters.
An inspection bungalow, work for which started 15 years ago, has not been fully completed while tourists are not keen to stay here at night due to lack of electricity and drinking water. Moreover, a high mast light installed by the tourism department five years ago is on the blink.
Visitors always complain about the absence of basic facilities while locals, who were hopeful of cashing in on the boom of tourism, are now frustrated.
They demanded faster development of the beach so as to economically develop the coastal pockets. PNN