Face-lift soon for Kovalam beaches

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The world famous beaches of Kovalam will get a face-lift with the Tourism Department launching Rs 20 crores worth project to spruce up the defunct Samudra Beach and other popular beaches including Hawa Beach, Sea Rock Beach and Light House Beach. On Monday, Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran launched the first and second phase of the project which aims at upgrading infrastructure facilities of the Kovalam beach.  

Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran, launching the project, said that the government is giving importance to implement eco-friendly projects at tourism centres in the state.

He said that the government is searching for land to set up a multi-level car parking facility to meet the growing demands of the beach destination.

The defunct Samudra beach area will be developed into a vibrant beach park. The authorities are planning for a Rs 10 crore worth project which will transform the beach by adding a slew of facilities including viewing deck, water hammering deck, roller skating rinks, and stone Mandapas of various sizes. The first phase of construction works, which will take off immediately at Grove Beach, Samudra Beach and Park areas will be held in nine areas at the beach. Toilet complex, changing rooms, open-air theatre, are some of the highlights of the project.

Tourism Secretary Rani George said that the project will be completed within two years. The beach development projects are part of the Kovalam master plan drawn up by the Tourism department.

The second phase of the project will focus on the development of Hawa Beach, Sea Rock Beach and Light House Beach. The project includes two walkways of 13 ft width and 400-meter length, laser show facility and tripods for coastal safety.