Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Dec 1: Minister for fisheries, youth empowerment and sports, Pramod Madhwaraj, on Thursday November 30, inaugurated the eco-tourism and responsible travel activities at St Mary’s Island.
“St Mary’s Island happens to be one of the most beautiful islands in India. The columnar rock structure found at this island is a unique feature of this island, as the only other place where we can see this phenomenon is in Africa. This place was once neglected but now it has been converted into a tourist spot. In 2016 this island was declared as zero wastage island, to implement this the present development activities have been undertaken”, Pramod Madhwaraj said.
“Both the Malpe beach and this island are now maintained by the Dial Mantra group. Every year Rs 56 lac is paid to Beach Development Committee,” he added.
Pramod stressed on the need to ensure safety and security of the tourists in the island. He instructed the authorities to fix reasonable rates for food provided. "The rates for food items should be approved by the Beach Development Committee. During the last two years, around 450 tonnes of waste has been cleared off the island. The materials used in re – development are also eco – friendly," the minister noted.
Under eco – tourism and responsible travel activities, many new facilities have been provided on the island. Food court, mobile charging points, visitors lounge, cycle ride, natural shelters, gazebo, first aid, luggage room, night security, souvenir shop and many other new facilities have now been introduced here.
Water sports like Banana Ride, Kayak, Jet Skill, Cliff Dive, Snorkelling, Stand up Paddle, Angling and many other have been introduced for the sake of tourists.
In the year 1498, when Vasco Da Gama visited this island, he fixed a Cross here and named the island as 'o Padrao de Santa Maria', as a dedication to Mother Mary. It is also known as coconut island and Thonsepar in local parlance. This island has been declared as a geographical monument since 2001.
Eco – tourism aims to maintain essential ecological processes and to conserve the natural heritage and bio – diversity. This initiative can bring about responsible behaviors among travelers. Under these rules, carrying any type of plastic materials to the island has been banned. Consumption of alcohol is also prohibited now. Workshop for photography, art and sculpture enthusiasts will be introduced in this island within a few days.
The total cost of redevelopment is around Rs 80 lacs.
Municipal commissioner, D Manjunathaiah, Meenakshi Madhav Bannanje, CMC President, Sandhya Thilakraj, CMC vice-president, Anitha B, assistant director in the department of tourism, Arun Kumar, project director, Sudesh Shetty, in-charge officer of Mantra Tourism Development Company and Narayan Kunder, Harmis Noronha, Ganesh Nergi and other councilors were present during the event.