The first phase of beautification works on the Kozhikode south beach was formally inaugurated on Saturday. The works would be completed at a cost of Rs.3.85 crore providing modern amenities, including rain shelters, new seating arrangements, and ornamental lamps.
Opening the works, Tourism Minister A.P. Anil Kumar said Kozhikode would get more attention in the days to come from the State and the Centre for developing tourism destinations.
“So far, the focus was mainly on improving tourism amenities in Wayanad and Kasaragod districts,” he said.
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The Minister said beautification of the S.M. street would get priority. He maintained that a Rs.5-crore project was under consideration of the government and would be implemented at the earliest.
Mr. Anil Kumar said the second phase development of the south beach would be completed on time.
District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) officials said the Harbour Engineering Department would take up the first phase beautification works and complete it within 12 months. The tendering process for the same would begin soon, they added.
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DTPC secretary P.G. Rajeev said the government had released Rs.1.50 crore and there would not be any delay in releasing the funds in the course of the works. “Negotiations at the government-level are on to get clearance from the Port Department to clear ground for the second phase works,” he added.
Mr. Rajeev said the second phase would witness major investment to develop a road leading to the site. “Clearance from the port is needed and procedures are at the final stage,” he added. Minister for Social Justice M.K. Muneer presided. M.K. Raghavan, MP, and Calicut Development Authority chairman N.C. Aboobacker were present.