Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jan 26: The first sea walkway point of the state, built at a cost of Rs 53.5 lac was inaugurated at Malpe beach here on Friday, January 26. The walkway is located near the tourist jetty.
District in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj inaugurated the walkway point by unveiling the plaque. The walkway was constructed by Nirmithi Kendra through Malpe beach development committee.
"This is the first such sea walkway point in Karnataka. The government has spent over Rs 22 crore on making Malpe beach a world-class tourist destination and for its developmental work like roads and construction of fishing jetty here. Malpe is the second largest fishing boat parking port in the country. St May’s Island is the most clean island in world and it should be keep maintained,” said minister Pramod.
“St Mary’s Island is known for columnar structured rocks, which are available here alone apart from Africa. Development works are taking place in Malpe-Padukere beach which will give the place a new identity. This beach will become an international tourist destination where youths can earn their living rather than relying only on fishing,” he said.
Malpe beach, Padukere beach, St. Mary's Island and the sea walkway point would be a great attraction for the tourists and it will help the place into becoming a tourist hub. The government has released Rs 69 lac for the development of roads. As it is a virgin beach, there are lot of scope for tourism here,” he added.
The total length of the walkway is 480 meters with 9 metre width. The path has been designed by interlocks and stone benches have been installed for viewing the beauty of the sea. A beautiful stone art, designed by eminent artist Purushottam Adve adds beauty to the walkway.
The walkway has steel railings and 30 ornamental lamps installed throughout the way which increases the elegance of the ambience in the evening.
The fishermen will be able to watch fishes from the sea walkway point in addition to the fishing boats going to catch fish during the mornings and evenings. Besides, it would be a good site for fish angling. Tourists can view three islands at one view from the walkway point.
Meenakshi Madhava Bannanje, president, Udupi Municipal Council Municipal, Harmis Noronha, president, standing committee, Laxman Nimbargi, district police superintendent, Sivananda Kapashi, CEO, zilla panchayat and Arun Kumar, project director, Nirmithi Kendra were also present on the occasion.
Manjunathayya welcomed the gathering and assistant director of tourism department Wilfed D'Souza proposed vote of thanks.