A view of Siali beach in Jagatsinghpur district. Telegraph picture

Paradip, Oct. 5: Authorities in Jagatsinghpur are planning to develop sea beaches to promote tourism.

The coastal district has the potential to become a popular holiday destination with the area having some beautiful sea beaches.

“The infrastructure and road connectivity need to be developed,” said Jagatsinghpur district tourist officer Arabinda Jena.

The sea beaches in Ramatara, Siali, Gadaharsipur, Hawakhana, Paradip and Bandara have been earmarked for renovation. The beaches would be developed in a phased manner. Project plan worth Rs 1.89 crore for development of Paradip and Siali coasts has been finalised.

“Work will begin once the funds are sanctioned,” said Jena.

The plan includes pedestrian rests, lifeguards, food kiosks, picnic houses, drinking water facility, toilets, high-mast lighting, watch towers, dustbins, parking facility, recreation area, rescue boats and proper security for tourists.

To promote beach tourism, a 145-year-old colonial building located on a marooned island near the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary is being given a facelift. The renovation of the marvellous rock-cut building is in progress under the supervision of the state forest department. World Bank is funding the project.

“Along with technical assistance of experts, it is taking place under the integrated coastal zone management programme,” said an official.

The single-storey building with wooden staircases and rainwater harvesting system is a reminder of Odisha’s rich maritime history.

Local youths have been trained to operate tourist boats and maintain other facilities.

“Hukitola in Kendrapara has a unique ecosystem. Its scenic beauty, rich wildlife and birds can be a source of aesthetic pleasure and is convenient for outdoor recreation,” an official.

The 177-year-old lighthouse in Batighar has been developed by the government to promote tourism. It is one of the oldest lighthouses in the sub-continent. The lighthouse is situated on a large island in the Mahanadi river delta. The work of its foundation began on December 6, 1836. The 38-meter-high lighthouse was completed on October 16, 1837.