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The
Bekal
Project:
India's
First
Planned
Beach
Destination
Background
Government
of India in an effort to develop potential beach locations,
which could be developed as international standard beach
destinations had the western cost, surveyed in 1990. The
survey identified Bekal the village in Kasaragod district in
northern most part of Kerala as potential locale for the
development of beach resort destination.
In
1992 the Government of India declared Bekal as “Special
Tourism Area” for integrated resort development.
Thereafter Government of Kerala entrusted a
multidisciplinary team consisting of planners, landscape
architects, urban and transport specialists, structural
consultants and tourism leisure industry experts with the
preparation of project of project blue print for the
development of Bekal.
In
1995 Bekal Resort Development Corporation was formed for the
implementation of Bekal Tourism Project.
The
Bekal Project envisages setting up of an integrated beach
destination at Bekal, with the objective of developing
including social infrastructure in the region. BRDC
conducted systematic surveys of the region through CESS (Centre
for Earth Science Studies) and has developed 76 hectares
(189 acres) of land that is ideal for setting up resorts. Six
resort sites are ready, of which two sites viz. RS2 and RS5
have already been allotted to two joint sector companies
with Taj and Oberoi. Of
the remaining 4 sites, two sites viz RS6 and RS7 are
proposed to be disposed of for development in the first
phase.
Tourism
led urban structure plan
In
order to offset any environmental damage and to coordinate
the development of the land, the Government of Kerala has
commissioned a techno-economic feasibility study and a
tourism led urban structure plan for the project. Bekal is
India’s first destination to be developed according to
such a detailed planning, without disturbing the eco-balance
of the region. The thrust of the structure plan is on
controlled and sustainable development through integrated
planning that would take regulated care of resort sites,
housing needs and infrastructural overheads, whereby the
inherent perils of haphazard development can be avoided,
ensuring that Bekal evolves into a viable tourism
destination.
Techno-economic
feasibility studies on the region
It
is prepared by experts in the concerned areas. The following
broad issues were examined during the studies, in order to
sustain the destination:
-
Environmental
issues - an appraisal of the environment, natural forces
and ecology of the region and assessment of the impact
of tourism on these.
-
Infrastructure
- Reconnaissance, inventory preparation and assessment
of the existing infrastructure.
-
Socio-cultural
issues - Appraisal of cultural background and lifestyle,
economic
status, possibility of local participation, their
relocation implications, measure to sustain
socio-economic development.
-
Market
potential and cost benefit - Assessment of market
potential of the region, possible economic benefits to
the region, development costs, fund sourcing and
preparation of viable investment plan.
The
findings have been translated into a physical plan in which
tourism plays a major role in the overall development of the
region.
Development
Strategy adopted
Broad
essentials:
-
Minimise
shift in Agricultural landuse - Minimise loss of
existing agricultural land and to strengthen the
resource base for traditional sectors like fishing and
agriculture
-
Provide
employment to
the locals.
-
Resorts
and protect
the bio-diversity
of the area, and safeguard the interests of fishermen
and farmers
-
Keep
a check on the commercialisation of cultural values and
art forms
Project
features
Resorts/Hotels
The
carrying capacity studies of the region revealed that the
six sites acquired for the Bekal Project can accommodate
upto 500 units. The resorts will be Star / Deluxe category
Resorts
Ayurveda
health holidays centres, theme parks, heritage homes,
crafts/arts resorts or (other theme resorts), gardens etc
can also be developed, provided there is a feasible proposal
plan for each. At present there are no major Ayurveda
centres in the region and hence new centres have plenty of
scope for development. The land for infrastructure and
common facilities includes public beach, watersports
facilities etc.
Location
& parameters for the resorts
-
Only
Deluxe/3 star and above Resorts
-
Considering
the specific nature of resort development and the
relative tariff range, proximity to a beach will be
ideal.
-
The
resorts will be self-contained and hence proximity to
any existing settlement isn’t essential.
-
These
resorts will not induce much change in the surrounding
verdant landscapes, except in the case of build access
roads.
-
Proximity
to existing settlements and good road networks is
important such that development costs can be shared.
-
Use
of existing commercial facilities as far as possible in
order to reduce land use.
-
Closeness
to nearby prime tourist attractions such as public
beach.
Land
development
Necessary
development works have been carried out on the land. These
include fencing, approach road construction, provision of HT
lines. Water supply lines are being provided.
Landscape
policy
The
landscape policy for Bekal aims at:-
Areas
of concern include landform/topography and
hydrogeology.
Modification
of terrain should be in tune with the natural drainage
patterns.
Topsoil
conservation through protection of existing vegetation and
provision of new vegetative cover on fallow land.
Protection
of watersheds and catchments areas to maintain the
ecological balance.
Storm
water drainage systems should minimise erosion and maximise
both percolation and ground water recharge.
Basic
infrastructure
The
basic infrastructure of the land includes power, water
supply, communication, road networks, street lighting,
public amenities and tourist attraction facilities.
Some
of the work completed include:
-
Roads,
with the participation of the concerned Panchayats
-
Access
roads to resort sites
-
Road
junction improvements
-
Studies
and surveys like master plan etc
-
Extension
of HT Electric Line to Resorts
Further
infrastructure developments taken up and proposed include
Tourism
facilities
To
offer varied experience to tourists within a short distance
and time, attractive tourist spots have been developed
nearby. Facilities include
-
Thanal
Vishrama Kendram (tourist facility near Bekal Fort)
-
Beautification
of the surrounding areas of the Bekal Fort
-
Seaside
pathway along the Bekal Fort
-
Erection
of display and signboards in Kasargod district
-
Public
beach at Pallikkara near Bekal Fort
-
Aqua
Park and Chandragiri Boat Club
-
House
boating cruise in Tejaswini backwaters in Valiyaparamba
-
Backwater
Tourism - Houseboat
-
Children’s
parks at Bekal Fort and Thanal Vishrama Kendram
-
Trekking
and adventure tourism
Future
activities planned
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