Chief minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated a multipurpose recreational jetty at Satapada in Puri district through videoconferencing on Friday. A total of 200 boats can anchor at the jetty at a time and Rs 19 crore has been invested in the project. “It will boost employment opportunities and also increase communication facilities,” said Naveen. The work on project began in 2015 and ended this year. The jetty has one main jetty, one approach jetty and 20 finger jetties. It has been dredged and made deeper and the area illuminated. “Chilika is one of the most iconic tourist spots of the state and it provides livelihood to hundreds of people. The state government is taking steps for safety of the environment in and around the area.” The state government will shortly start the Saheed Baji Rout Noujatra Suraksha Yojana. Under the scheme, tourists will be provided with life jackets, fire extinguishers and other safety equipment on boats. A project to set up a full-fledged fishing jetty near Sana Arjipalli in Ganjam district is expected to take off shortly. To be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore, the proposed project will have all modern facilities. Around 1,000 fishing boats will be able to anchor at the jetty and it will benefit around 50,000 traditional fishermen of 10 coastal villages of the district, an official said. The fisheries department has sought 23 acres of dispute-free land for setting up the jetty.