Govt to develop it as tourism project
In a step towards promotion of tourism and art, the Government has initiated steps for establishment of a sand art park at Puri.
In a high level meeting held under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary Jugal Kishore Mohapatra on Wednesday, wherein among others Tourism and Culture Secretary Dr Arabinda Padhee was present, a proposal for establishment of the project was taken up for discussion.
Considering the proposal, Chief Secretary Mohapatra advised to develop it as a tourism project. Mohapatra also advised Dr Padhee to prepare a detail project report indicating the organizational structure, source of finance, timeline for implementation etc and put to it for Government approval.
It was decided to create an institutional base for the project in shape of a society with sufficient autonomy for functioning. It was also considered that the land required for the purpose will be provided to the department free of premium.
Chief Secretary Mohapatra advised to constitute a site selection committee for the project. It is learnt that around 2 to 3 acres of land will be required to develop the park. The main objectives of the project include attracting tourists to the beach town, educating and training budding talents on sand art and providing amusement to amateur artists. The project envisages providing services like regular training classes for interested artists, short term course for tourists, creation of a sand sculpture gallery of international standard, establishment of a sand art photo gallery and sand animation studio.
The Chief Secretary advised the department to utilize the expertise and experiences of internationally known Odia sand artist Sudarshan Pattanaik in the planning and implementation of the project.
Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management, Dr Taradatt and sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik along with other senior officers attended.