Allegations of sluggish progress have surfaced regarding the ongoing beautification project at Chandrabhaga Beach, raising serious concerns among locals and visitors alike as the peak tourist season approaches.
With the prestigious International Sand Art Festival scheduled to kick off on December 1 at Chandrabhaga Beach, thousands of domestic and international tourists are expected to throng the site daily. However, the slow pace of infrastructure development has sparked fears of major traffic bottlenecks and crowd management challenges during the mega event.
Currently, both the beach stretch and the sacred Chandrabhaga Tirtha Pushkarini (holy pond) remain plunged in darkness after sunset due to inadequate lighting. Tourists visiting the area in the evening are facing significant inconvenience and safety concerns while navigating the poorly lit premises.
The beautification drive spans the stretch from the Chandrabhaga Tirtha Pushkarini up to the area in front of the Marine Police Station. Under the project blueprint, the revamped beachfront is slated to feature dedicated pedestrian pathways, seating benches, beach umbrellas, designated vehicle parking zones, organised vending zones, enhanced security arrangements, and modern lighting systems.
A primary objective of the initiative is to upgrade evening amenities so that visitors can comfortably spend more time along the shoreline after dusk. With barely two weeks remaining until the festival begins, stakeholders are urging authorities to expedite the pending works to ensure a seamless and safe experience for visitors.
