Ultimately, the State Government withdrew its proposal of opening five shacks along the Puri-Konark beach after resentments came from various outfits in the pilgrim town.

District Collector Samarth Verma clarified that the decision of setting up shacks on the beach was withdrawn by the Government. Meanwhile, the outfits opposing the proposal have welcomed

the decision. The Belabhumi Madamukti Abhijan, which had led the protests, along with dozens others, by submitting memorandum to the district Collector on Thursday, has thanked the State Government for rolling back the project.

It is noteworthy here that the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) had earlier invited bids from private parities for five shacks along the beach from Puri to Konark for the tourists. The last date of filing of tender was Friday. The proposal was a part of tourist promotion in the beach town of Puri and Konark.

In the proposed shacks, which were Goa like hutments, the tourists could have enjoyed sea view with coffees and various recipes on the beach.  There was also provision of wine in the shacks for tourists. However, protests continued to rise in the pilgrim town over the provision of wine to tourists on the holy beach of the city.

As the beach is engaged with  religious activities including holy dips and funerals for departed souls all along the year, people opposed the shacks which allow non-veg food and wine for tourists.

Even Puri Sankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati had expressed his unhappiness by denouncing such a proposal by State Government.