Kerala CM inaugurates beach tourism project
The Chief Minister was speaking while inaugurating the first phase of the Muzhappilangad-Dharmadam Comprehensive Beach Tourism Development project.
Tourism and Public Works Minister PA Mohamed Riyas presided over the function at Muzhappilangad, which had Member of Parliament, Dr V. Sivadasan as the chief guest.
'Travellers are our dignified guests. We should welcome them warmly and engage them meaningfully so that they spread their good experience back in their lands, and feel like returning to our state,' the Chief Minister said.
Terming the completion of the first of the three-stage KIIFB-funded project as a 'milestone' in the state's advances in tourism, he said the government had ensured that these strides went well with the spirit of eco-conservation and sustainability.
For instance, Dharmadam Island, whose development is part of the project, will give shelter to the seasonal migratory birds from other parts of the world, Vijayan said.
'We are going ahead with the completion of the entire project. A blueprint of its future plans is getting ready. The whole project will get over in a time-bound way,' he said.
Riyas said the completion of the first phase of the Muzhappilangad-Dharmadam Beach project was yet another instance of the state's determination to promote travel and hospitality in the post-Covid era.
'Tourism is not just about people visiting places. The recreational activities in the destinations also boost local economies and cultures along with the whole society,' he pointed out. 'This 4.5-km drive-in beach, which is the only one of its kind in our country, gets a facelift at a time when mid-summer holidays typically boost tourism in the state.'
Marking a new chapter in north Kerala's tourism, the project, funded by Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), is executed by the Kerala Irrigation Infrastructure Development Corporation as a Special Purpose Vehicle.
The 'Comprehensive Development of Muzhappilangad-Dharmadam Beach' project of KIIFB has an administrative approval of Rs 233.71 crore, revealed Kerala Tourism Director Ms Sikha Surendan in her welcome address. The first phase has been completed at a cost of Rs 79.51 crore, she added.
KIIDC CEO S. Thilakan presented the project report while Girish Kumar D, Joint Director – Tourism proposed the Vote of Thanks.
With focus on four-character areas, the beach project has three parts: Muzhappilangad Beach, Dharmadam Beach and Dharmadam Island.
A new walkway, completed now, can facilitate drive-in activities along its 1.2-km stretch on the northern side of Muzhappilangad Beach.
For walking, concrete slabs have been piled up above the seashore, with additional recreational activities. A wide walkway, a children's playground, toilets, kiosks, decorative lights, shade structures, sculptures, a gazebo and landscaping are also part of the project.
The placid Dharmadam Island, surrounded by rivers on three sides and the Arabian sea on the other, offers a picture-perfect view of the confluence of Anjarakandy and Thalassery rivers.
Muzhappilangad beach which is Asia's longest drive-in beach, lies parallel to NH-66 between Thalassery and Kannur, offers a variety of family-focused activities at the seaside, making it a favourite destination for domestic as well as foreign tourists.
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