JOIN USThe dream of upgrading the Bekal Fort to the international level continues to be a dream. The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation has decided to drop the proposed project of Bekal resorts. This has disheartened the residents of Kasargod.
When Kodiyeri Balakrishnan was the Tourism minister during the LDF reign, he had proposed ambitious plan of Bekal resorts. The construction of the resorts was entrusted to KTDC. The estimated cost of the project was Rs six crore, of which, the Centre and State had decided to share equally. The Bekal Tourism Development Society had handed over one acre land to the KTDC. The work also had commenced.
As per the proposed plan, it was decided to construct 31 cottages on the shore, of which, the Minister had announced to complete the work on 20 cottages at the earliest. The work was started by Kitco (Kerala Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organisation). However, the development work had a set back when the UDF came to power. In this background, the KTDC has clarified that the project can not be continued.
With the suspension of the project, the Centre has directed to return Rs three crore. The authorities have already spent Rs 50 lakh for constructing compound wall for the resorts.
Kitco-KTDC tiff
The differences of opinion between Kitco and KTDC is responsible for the dropping of the project, say locals. It is the responsibility of the KTDC to look into the development of beaches, rest houses and resorts. However, the KTDC has been neglecting the tourism spots of Malbar region in the recent days.
Keeping in mind Bekal as a centre, several posh hotels and restaurants have come up in and around the region. Now, Uduma MLA K Kunhiraman along with LDF is planning to stage a protest.
Tourism Minister A P Anil Kumar to a question raised by Uduma MLA K Kunhiraman in the Assembly had said that four resorts in Bekal are yet to pay rent of Rs 4,59,36,186. This includes Joys Enterprise—Rs 68 lakh, Green Great Valisher Limited—Rs 1,70,69,920, Globelink Hotels and Entertainment Pvt Ltd—Rs 96,51,418, Holy Bekal Resorts Pvt Ltd—Rs 11,21,81,840. The Minister had said that notices have been issued to pay the rent.