The Odisha State Government has given its consent to the ambitious Rs 8000-crore coastal highway project that would connect Odisha’s Tangi with West Bengal’s Digha.
- Ecologically sensitive Chilika, Balukhanda Konark Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhitarakanika Sanctuary Area and some of the important Olive Ridley turtle nesting sites were initially coming in way of the 382-km-long coastal highway. The project was modified following reservations by environmentalists over a long bridge proposed over the Chilika Lake.
- The crucial road project would originate from Tangi in Khordha district instead of Gopalpur in Ganjam district. As per road design, all major towns would be by-passed.
- The coastal highway would cross 11 rivers and a number of water channels in six coastal districts for which the project would have large number of bridges and culverts than.
(Source: The Hindu)
