India Illuminates Maritime Heritage: Major Developments Unveiled at 2nd Lighthouse Festival

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal celebrated India's maritime legacy unveiling key lighthouse projects at the 2nd Indian Lighthouse Festival in Puri. Two new lighthouses were announced for Odisha, alongside initiatives to promote coastal community engagement in preserving these icons. The festival highlighted cultural ties, tourism growth, and economic development.

In a bid to underscore India's rich maritime heritage, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled several significant developments at the 2nd Indian Lighthouse Festival in Puri on Sunday. The event marked the announcement of two new lighthouses along Odisha's coast and emphasized community engagement in lighthouse preservation.

Minister Sonowal announced projects enhancing coastal communities' involvement in the promotion and preservation of lighthouses, advocating their role as stewards of cultural heritage. The festival featured discussions, cultural performances, and initiatives reflecting the symbiotic relationship between lighthouse tourism and economic growth, exemplified by the festival's multifaceted activities.

Significant investments have transformed lighthouses into tourist hubs, driving substantial increases in visitor numbers and job creation, while projects like the Sagarmala Programme further showcase infrastructural expansion and community empowerment in Odisha's maritime sector. The festival not only celebrated historical ties between regions but also highlighted the ongoing project developments enhancing port capacities and economic prospects.

(With inputs from agencies.)