The West Bengal State Tourism department has come up with a Rs 123-crore coastal tourism circuit development plan. The coastal circuit plan envisages a total tourism infrastructure development plan along the state’s coastal border from Old Digha to Fraserganj, including New Digha, Udaypur, Shankarpur, Tajpur, Mandarmani, Bakkhali and Henry Islands.The proposed coastal tourism circuit plan will be discussed with the union tourism ministry.

According to the plan, beach and local area beautification plans will be taken up in all the coastal places. Highmast lights, tourist amenity centres, parking facilities and an eco-trail along the seaside pathway with provisions for seating will be set up in the state’s coastal area as a part of the project.

The Digha-Shankarpur Development Authority has already started working to develop the coastal areas within its limits. A welcome gate has been installed at Digha and the beaches have been spruced up with beautification and civic infrastructure projects.

The Sate wants to develop tourist facilities, such as parking with gazebo, beach side seating arrangements lifeguard towers, toilet blocks and cloak rooms in Tajpur and Mandarmani. Establishment of house boats has also been planned at the creek between Tajpur and Mandarmani.

Proper beach connectivity from the proposed marine drive along the coastal belt will also be developed with illumination, parking spaces and tourist facilities. Water sports have also been planned along the beaches.

Tourism infrastructure will be spruced up particularly in Henry Islands, Fraserganj and Bakkhali. A nature interpretation centre has been planned at Henry Islands. The State is already working to develop Gangasagar and to start off a nature trail at Jambudwip.

Big garbage bins of 50 litre carrying capacity will be placed at various points on the beaches to keep the areas clean. Garbage compactor machines will also be used for waste management. The Government also wants to provide wi-fi connectivity at the tourist places.