Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Feb 28: Sasihithlu beach, once a popular surfing destination near Haleyangadi, has now become a neglected and deserted location with no basic amenities for visitors.

A viral video on social media recently brought attention to an entry fee of Rs 20 per person being charged at the beach, despite the lack of facilities. The move has been widely criticized, with many calling it ‘daylight robbery’ and an illegal means of collecting money from the public.

There is no official notification from the tourism department regarding the entry fee. Instead, a handwritten sign at the entrance mentions the Rs 20 charge. Once inside, visitors find an abandoned area with no staff, no shops, poor cleanliness, and no seating arrangements. Frustrated tourists have taken to social media to question the need for an entry fee when the beach lacks even basic infrastructure.

Speaking to Daijiworld.com, Vasanth explained, “When the Congress government was in power in the Haleyangadi panchayat, the panchayat maintained Sasihithlu Beach through the Sasihithlu Beach Development Committee. At that time, 3-4 shops were set up, and six staff members, including lifeguards, were employed. The income from these shops, which ranged between Rs 60,000 and Rs 70,000 per month, was used to pay their salaries. However, due to sea erosion, those shops were washed away.”

He further added, “When the BJP government took over the panchayat, the beach was handed over to the district administration, and since then, it has been completely neglected. Previously, the Rs 20 charge was only for parking four-wheelers, and there was no entry fee for visitors. Now, they are charging Rs 20 per person without providing any facilities. Additionally, a sea walk is being constructed, but it falls under Udupi district,” he noted.

Tourist Addu Boloor echoed similar sentiments, saying, “When I visited the beach with my family, we were charged Rs 20 per person, but there were no facilities inside. It feels like the district administration is robbing the public, taking money without offering any services. The situation has worsened, as there are no staff, lifeguards, or safety measures at the beach.”