Blueprint ready for comprehensive development of Malpe beach: Udupi DC

Deputy Commissioner T. K. Swaroopa said the Udupi district Nirmithi Kendra has prepared a blueprint and estimate for the development Malpe beach that necessitates acquisition of land to the north of the existing beach.

Chairing the district tourism development committee meeting at Rajatadri, the district office complex in Manipal, Ms. Swaroopa said Malpe beach would be developed zone-wise. A provision has been made for the development of St. Mary’s island. Depending on the availability of funds, development work would be taken up strictly keeping in mind the safety of tourists, she said.

A view of the picturesque palm fringed St. Marys Island, which is about 6.5 km off Malpe beach in Udupi.
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Special Arrangement

Asking the Coastal Security Police to conduct random inspection of boats ferrying tourists to check whether they were wearing life jackets, Ms. Swaroopa said those not wearing jackets would be penalised. Boat operators too should ensure all tourists wear life jackets. The DC directed officials concerned to erect watch towers, information display boards, and caution boards, for the safety of tourists at Malpe beach and St. Mary’s Island.

Kadike beach development

Ms. Swaroopa told the Tourism Department to invite tenders for the comprehensive development and management, and for organising adventure sports at the beach in Kadike village of Udupi taluk. She also instructed that bids be invited to provide passenger ferry service to St. Mary’s Island. Shops at Malpe beach and the Sea Walk should be allotted through bidding.

The DC said the administration had sought a report from the National Institute of Water Sports to suggest venues for organising water sports and adventure sports along the beaches in the district. As the report is yet to be submitted, she told officials to ask the institute to expedite the same.

Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna said the administration should ensure that tourism activities do not obstruct the fishing activities of local fishermen along the beaches.

Kundapura MLA A. Kiran Kumar Kodgi demanded basic tourist amenities at Kodi Sea Walk, including parking and seating arrangements, in Kundapura taluk. “If the government could not undertake the comprehensive development of Kodi beach, it may explore a public-private partnership,” he suggested.

Zilla Panchayat CEO Prateek Bayal, Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar, Additional DC Abid Gadyal, and Municipal Commissioner Mahantesh Hangaragi were among those who participated in the meeting.