Thousands of visitors from across the district thronged Manginapudi beach on Sunday, second day of the the Masula beach festival, a cultural extravaganza being organised by the Tourism department.
Helicopter ride and paragliding witnessed huge demand in the event.
Addressing the gathering, Law Minister K. Ravindra said that the State government has proposed to develop nearly 5 km road, apart from the existing two-line between the Machilipatam town and the beach with ₹20 crore. The beautification project of the beach was almost completed with beach view walls erected, Mr. Ravindra said. The proposed port works would likely to commence from August, he said.
Krishna district Collector B. Lakshmikantam stressed the need of giving a fillip to tourism. “The tourism development, particularly coastal tourism, will have the potential to attract the tourists. The State government has already realised the benefits of tourism in the case of Goa and other coastal States,” said Mr. Lakshmikantam.
Swimmers deployed
A documentary on the proposed development of the Machilipatnam coast including development of the deep sea port was screened to the visitors. Singer Taman and his team enthralled the gathering with the Telugu music numbers.
The Machilipatnam Area Development Authorities deployed professional swimmers on the beach to avoid any untoward incident during the festival.