Manipal: Malpe beach has recorded 1.67 crore revenue in FY 2015-16 said Dr R Vishal IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Udupi district. He was addressing a press meet at his office Rajathadri in Manipal here on April 16.
The total revenue recorded in 2013-14 was 21.88 lakh and in 2014-15, the revenue was 59.29 lakh. Six meetings have been organized by the beach development committee to promote the beaches. The e-procurement process is effectively followed while inviting tenders for projects implemented in the beaches. Transparency is the core of development, the projects are assessed regularly.
The district administration is harnessing the potential to promote tourism in the district. The heli-tourism service will commence from April 15 to May 20. Temporary approval for helicopter service is issued by the district administration in compliance with DGCA. Permanent service will be approved after following stringent norms in compliance with DGCA.
The jetty has been given a fine touch in Malpe, which is the boarding point for passengers to St Mary’s Island. The approach road to the jetty is revamped. Huts have been constructed and toilets are built on the island.
The beach cleaning machine will be purchased for cleaning of beaches, the administration is inviting tenders for the same. The machine will be purchased from the District Innovation Fund.
Two jet skies will be operating in Kaup and Malpe beach. Sanitation facilities are improved in beaches. Two guest houses are built to serve the tourists. A guest house is built in Hiryangadi Jain Basadi and a floor extension is built at the Divine Park, Saligrama. Approval for scuba diving will be given if an NOC from the police and ports department along with approval from PIDI is received. The administration will approve scuba diving only if woman instructor is recruited by the agency. A video presentation on tourist places in Udupi has been uploaded to YouTube to assist the tourists.
Lifeguards and home guards are deputed to ensure safety in the beaches, home guards patrol the beaches and keep stringent vigil. Wi-Fi facility is introduced in the Malpe beach and CCTV cameras with high resolution are installed for monitoring.
Taxis will be given with preference to widows, spinsters, disabled persons, SC/ST’s and others on a merit basis to promote tourism.
Tourism development in the backwaters can be promoted, if anyone wishes to come forward with an idea he/she will be given opportunity after following all norms. The government is totally supporting the development of tourism. There are some benefits extended by the Government of Karnataka to entrepreneurs who are willing to build small hotels, he added
ADC Chennabasappa KAS and tourism department officials were present
