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Thursday, May 17, 2012

BEKAL IN KASARAGOD –HERTAGE RICH COASTAL TOWN


BEKAL IN KASARAGOD –HERITAGE RICH COASTAL TOWN
Heritage-rich coastal town of Bekal in Kasaragod is getting a major facelift, as part of State government's efforts to tap the unexplored Malabar region.The State government has major plans to put the six districts of Malabar on the forefront of Kerala's tourism growth. Key infrastructure projects such as the proposed Kannur international airport and development of the Kozhikode airport are steps in that direction. Bekal had the potential to support tourism, coastal transport and national waterways, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said, while inaugurating the ‘Know Bekal' campaign to put Bekal in the world tourism map. Minister for Tourism, A. P. Anil Kumar said as a destination Bekal was largely unexplored. “We are in a position to employ tourism's best practices and socially and ecologically sustainable means to chart its growth,” he added.
Plans for Bekal include making it the second biggest backwater tourism hotspot after Alappuzha, building an airstrip, revamping the rail station here to improve connectivity, and creating facilities for adventure activities including water sports and aero sports. Managing Director of Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC) Mahesh I. C. said the beach-camping facility, developed by KTDC, was nearing completion at Bekal Beach Park, while the BRDC had proposed a cultural centre, a bio-organic farm and a tourism incubation centre. There were also plans to connect Bekal to other tourist destinations through the proposed sea-plane service.

                                                         Prof. John Kurakar

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