ALAPPUZHA: The vast beaches of Alappuzha are set to get a facelift soon as the DTPC executive committee meeting held here on Tuesday decided to implement a beach beautification project in the district. The project is expected to tap the immense tourism potential of the scenic beauty of the 94km long stretch of the coastline.
The beaches in the district have been lying in neglect for quite some time and ‘Express’ had reported the issue a few months ago. Anthakaranazhi, Arthunkal, Mararikulam, Chethi, Punnapra and Thrikunnapauzha are some of the beaches which were long abandoned by the tourists for the sorry state of affair.
The project envisages construction of resting centre and toilet block at Alappuzha beach using `25 lakh allotted from the MPLAD of the K C Venugopal. Apart form this, more facilities will be arranged from sea bridge to Vijaya park and the camel and horse riding will be shifted to southern parts of the beach. Other enlisted plans include more lighting facilities in the area and eviction of illegal encroachers.
At Andhakaranazhi beach, the renovation work on the DTPC building will be completed at the earliest. And, the children’s park and toilet block will be constructed with the Local Area Development Fund of P Thilothaman MLA.
Earlier, the government had shell out `1 crore under the Tsunami Package for the development of Anthakrainazhi beach. But, anti-social elements are ruling the roost on the beach now. At Arthunkal beach, the developmental activities being conducted by the KITCO will be expedited and more playing facilities for children will be arranged, said District Collector N Padmakumar.