Jagatsinghpur: The sea beaches in the district are set for renovation to attract tourists.

A comprehensive plan has been drawn up to develop sea beaches to promote tourism prospects here. The state tourism department has sanctioned Rs 50 lakh for the purpose. In the first phase, the beaches at Siali and Paradip will be beautified and tourism infrastructure will be developed in these places.

Later, the beaches at Ramatara, Hawakhan, Bandara and Gadaharishpur, will be renovated in phases. A detailed project plan is being drawn up for the renovation, said an official of the state culture and tourism department.

The coastal district has the potential to become a popular tourism destination as the coastline is rich with a number of picturesque and serene sea beaches. "What is needed is development of infrastructure on these beaches and better road connectivity," added the official.

Among the facilities proposed on these beaches are installation of pedestrian seating, food kiosks, picnic houses, drinking water facilities, toilets, high-mast lighting, watch towers, garbage bins, parking facilities, recreation zones, procurement of rescue boats and employment of lifeguards for tourists.

The department has already put in place signposts and billboards issuing statutory warnings on sea bathing.

Public facility shelters will also be built both at Paradip and Siali. The shelters would be equipped with life-saving gadgets. "We are planning to engage local seagoing fishermen as lifeguards. A request has also been made to the Paradip Port Trust to provide us the required land for the project," the official added.

Newborn body

The body of a newborn girl was found from the Suna riverbed at Kamphuting village in Keonjhar district. Police sent it for post-mortem. "She might have been stillborn. We are verifying records at the maternity ward of hospitals to ascertain her parentage," the police said.