Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/EP)
Udupi, Feb 1: “Other beaches in the district will be developed like Malpe beach in order to attract foreign tourists and strengthen tourism in the district,” said MLA Raghupathi Bhat.
He was speaking after inaugurating two-day long beach festival in Malpe beach, in the cooperation of district administration, Malpe development committee, tourism department, Kannada and culture department, youth empowerment and sports department, Nirmithi Kendra, horticulture department, coastal tourism and local Bhajan units on Saturday, February 1.
“Malpe beach is developed already and will be developed till Sea walk area. It is intended to improve Kadike beach and Bengre beaches also. Cleanliness and basic facilities will be given importance in them. Three high mast lights will be installed and home stays will be constructed to attract tourists that will create jobs for local people. The opinions of local fishermen will be collected regarding constructing Marina in Padukere and a proposal will be submitted to the government through the deputy commissioner. One crore rupees will be spent to prepare DPR. The economic condition will change if Marina is constructed as job opportunities will increase,” said MLA Raghupathi Bhat.
“A team is formed in the leadership of district in charge minister to develop tourism in the district. There are ample opportunities for tourism in the district and the cooperation of local people is necessary,” he said.
Deputy commissioner G Jagadeesha said that a vision document is being prepared to give impetus to tourism. “Survey is in progress and it will be over soon. Blue flag work in Padubidri will be completed in March end and a certificate will be available for this year. There are efforts to develop other beaches in the district in the lines of blue flag rules. Rs five crores are released to develop Maravanthe and Someshwar beaches. MP Raghavendra has been requested to set aside Rs 50 crores in the budget to develop Someshwar beach in the model of Murudeshwar beach. The number of tourists visiting Kolloor is more. UGD and water pipeline works in Kolloor will be over in a month and we will try to give new shape to Kolloor through Swatcha Kolloor project,” he said.
District panchayat president Dinakar Babu, taluk panchayat president Neeta Gururaja Poojary, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi district fisheries federation president Yashpal Suvarna, council member Edlin Karkada, district panchayat CEO Preeti Geylot, coast guard SP Chetan, additional DC Sadashiva Prabhu, Kumudapura sub divisional officer Raju, Civic commissioner Anand Kallolikar, ACT’s Manohar Shetty, Kannada and culture department assistant director Kumara Bekkeri and Nirmithi Kendra project director Arun Kumar were present.
Tourism department director Chandrashekar Nayak welcomed. Youth empowerment and sports department assistant director Dr Roshan Kumar Shetty compered and rendered vote of thanks.
Volleball tournaments for men, throwball tournaments for women, drawing competition for children, sand sculpture competition, kite festival, dog exhibition, Vine and food festival and cultural programmes will be held on Sunday as part of beach festival.