Pics: Justin D’Silva

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Feb 27: Minister for Environment, Ecology and Tourism C P Yogeshwar visited Padubidri Blue Flag beach, near End Point and Kaup beach on Saturday February 27.

Speaking to mediapersons he said, “Karnataka has two Blue Flags beaches here. The Tourism department wants to make this area as one of the main tourist centers. It is responsibility of the government. From that point of view, we should provide infrastructure for tourists. There is a proposal to develop water sports here.

“If the Tourism department identifies a government land and submits a report to us, and if any private companies come forward to start water sports, it be given on contract basis. We will definitely encourage them,” he said.

Rs 10 crore proposal was sent to the government for widening beach road, and construction of bridges at two sides.

Kaup MLA Lalaji Mendon explained the requirements for Padubidri and Kaup beaches.

Yogeshwar said, “Tourism in Karnataka has not developed like Kerala and Goa. No one regards this sector as industry. If anybody takes the initiative of making tourism an industry, the government will offer subsidies for them. The government will stress more towards coastal Karnataka in this regard.

“We are approaching the prime minister to discuss Sagaramala scheme as we have 320 km long coastal belt. We will ask permission to operate seaplane from Goa to Kerala and speed boat. There is a demand for heli-tourism. In this regard, we will do sincere efforts in executing the plans,” he said.

To a question regarding Marina beach in Udupi, Yogeshwar said, “I do not have information on that matter.”

He further said, “Kerala model CRZ regulations will come to Karnataka soon. After that, we can develop tourism anywhere. Karnataka has not exposed itself to tourism business. State government is thinking of making a permanent heli-tourism corridor for the coastal belt,” he said.

Deputy commissioner G Jagadeesha, Somashekhar, deputy director, tourism department,Chandrasekhar, and others were present.