Designs for whale of a time

After developing Panambur beach, the district administration is now developing Tannirbavi beach and Someshwar beach on the lines of Panambur beach.
Though Tannirbavi is a much preferred beach for its serenity, calmness and privacy, it is not easily accessible as there are no regular bus facilities or shops as compared to any other beaches in the district.

The serene beach suddenly came to limelight when Eritrian (Africa) ship Den Den sank near Tannirbavi in June 2007 (the remains are still there in Tannirbavi). A large number of people continue to visit the beach just to have a glimpse at the ship wreckage.

Facelift

As a part of beautification of beaches in Dakshina Kannada district, the district administration has taken up the development of Tannirbavi beach at a cost of Rs 76.8 lakh. Once developed, the Tannirbavi beach — between New Mangalore Port Guest House and Tannirbavi Church (approximately 3 kms) — will have modern facilities like a pathway, landscape, highmast lighting, garden lighting, recreation facilities, parking facility, public toilets and a gazebo among other facilities.

Speaking to City Herald, Deputy Commissioner Subodh Yadav said that the district administration has set a deadline to complete the works by May 31, 2011. Tenders would be invited by May end, Yadav said and added that a MoU would be signed with the firm winning the tender bid and they will be responsible for maintaining the beach as well as taking care of the tourists (life guards). In turn, they can collect fee for parking or water sports or any such facilities.

Tourism Department Assistant Director Mahesh Kumar said that Nirmithi Kendra is working on the project and a sum of Rs 22 lakh has already been released. The remaining funds would be released soon. “The work on gazebo and inter-locking is almost over and the toilet construction too is almost over,” he said and hoped that the remaining work would be completed by May-end.

The facilities may not benefit the public this year, but will surely a reality by next year.

Someshwar beach

Along with Tannirbavi, the district administration is also developing Someshwar beach at a cost of Rs 76.8 lakh. In addition to all the facilities, the existing mini-lake next to Someshwar temple is also being de-silted while a children’s park is almost ready.

Panambur II phase

Meanwhile, DC Subodh Yadav also said that Panambur beach too is being developed in the II phase at a cost of Rs 75 lakh. “Though Panambur beach has quite a few facilities, there is a need for some more facilities including more space for parking and more pathways among others.

Coming back to Tannirbavi, if you have not visited Tannirbavi for some time now, there is a surprise waiting in store for you. Don’t be surprised to see a drastic change in the sleepy beach, the next time you visit the beach. On the other hand, if the ambitious ropeway between Sultan Battery and Tannirbavi becomes a reality, then there is no doubt that Tannirbavi will be a new tourist destination in this part of the region.