The annual five-day Gopalpur Beach Festival-2017 began here on Sunday evening with colourful extravaganza. Chief guest Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Surjya Narayan Patro inaugurating the event said the State Government is giving importance to the tourist spots, including Gopalpur.
He said adequate funds would be spent for development of Gopalpur.
Gopalpur MLA and festival committee chairman Pradeep Panigrahi said tenders have been invited for an eco retreat hub, a circuit tourism project and development of Tampara.
On the occasion, artists of Purshotam Jagannath Chetana performed ‘Samudra Arati’. Indian Idol-fame and Ollywood and Bollywood singer Annanya Sritam was the main attraction. Around 30,000 people witnessed the festival on the inaugural day.
However, the Ganjam district BJP alleged that while farmers in the district are distressed over crop loss due to untimely rains and pest attacks, some Ministers and officers have connived to collect subscriptions from dishonest millers and are busy in enjoying dance and music.
The BJP also alleged that the festival has turned into a BJD show.