Tenders to develop Kaup, Maravanthe beaches may be floated next week

The Deputy Commissioner expreses displeasure over failure of authorities concerned to develop Malpe beach.

 The first round meeting prior to the floating of tender to initiate development projects through private parties in Kaup and Maravanthe beach, was held at the DC’s office on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner M T Reju expressed his displeasure over the failure of Malpe beach development projects to extract tourism potentials, following which the private parties that are experienced in beach development would be roped in to make Kaup and Maravanthe beach more attractive with the revenue sharing in the ratio of 50:50 proportion.

The DC added that only two applications were received when the tender was floated last time. However, some criteria listed will be relaxed in order to attract more bidders during the tender which is expected to be floated next week.

He said that those who qualify in the technical bid would also qualify for the financial bid. A stretch of two-kilo meters in the beach will be developed, he said.

Tourism Department (Udupi) In-charge Assistant Director Jithendranath said that even though the beach development projects are handled by private parties, the district administration reserves the rights to give permission for organizing any events at the beach. Former Kaup MLA Lalaji Mendon stressed over the priority to be given to the local organizations during floating of the tender for beach developments.

Yathish Baikampadi, CEO of the Panambur Beach Tourism Development Project, taking part in the meeting said the tourism potentials in Udupi can be tapped by attracting visitors from foreign countries who land in New Mangalore Port through passenger cruises.

He stressed that the security with lifeguards at beach should be given utmost priority. Beach Friends organization general secretary Chandrashekar said criteria for participating in tender process should be relaxed to ensure opportunity for local people and he opposed focus on commercialization of the beaches. He also added that local people should be given opportunities.