Polythene carrybags lie scattered on Paradip beach. Telegraph pictures

Paradip, Nov. 30: Heaps of biodegradable waste, generated from the recently concluded Bali yatra fair, have taken the sheen off the golden beach in the port town.

Residents alleged that the beach had turned ugly and awful with stench emanating from the garbage-filled stretch.

Though there is nothing wrong in it organising the fair to hark back the rich maritime history of Paradip, absence of efforts to clean up the beach defy logic. For tourists, it has become a nightmarish experience to stroll around the beach.

The annual Kalinga Bali yatra fair was organised here with much fanfare. On November 22, curtain was drawn on the yearly event. But organisers have seemingly forgotten to clean it up even a week after the fair ended.

The serene beach is littered with heaps of filth, garbage and mounds of polythene.

“Nobody is bothered about the golden beach’s tourism value. It would dissuade visitors from comint to Paradip. Those living on beach tourism are being hit hard,” said local resident Diptto Prakash Patnaik.

“I was shocked to find a waste-filled beach. I have visited many tourist places with beaches. But I have never encountered such a nauseating experience. People have gradually stopped visiting the beaches,” said tourist Ramakanta Mahapatra.

“In several beaches across the country, prohibition on the use of polythene and disposable plastic cups, sachets and bags is enforced . Such moves are taken to keep the beauty of beaches intact and make it tourists-friendly. But, it is a matter of deep regret that officials here have scant regard towards such environment-safety measures. That’s why the beach in the heart of Paradip port town still wears a nasty and dirty look,” said green activist Sankhanad Behera.

The Paradip Municipality has undertaken a drive to clear the garbage and waste. It would take two days more to fully clean the beach.

Two tonnes of biodegradable waste material has already been collected from the beach area, said Paradip Municipality executive officer Sharada Prassana Panda.