District administration to develop 5 beaches

With the Central government sanctioning Rs 50 crore for developing coastal tourism circuit in the State, five beaches in Dakshina Kannada district have been chosen for development at a cost of Rs 13.72 crore. The beaches that have been selected under the project are Surathkal, Someshwar, Ullal, Talapady and Sulthan Batteri.

Chairing a meeting of the District Tourism Development Committee to discuss on the project plan, Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim said that the tourism potential of the beaches will be explored by emphasising on cleanliness, beautification and maintenance of the said beaches. Under the beach tourism package, various components like pedestrian seating, landscape walkway, highmast lighting, life guards watch tower, garbage bins, parking and public convenience facilities, improving approach roads and other works will be taken up.

“In a meeting chaired by State tourism minister recently, the district administration has been directed to identify government land availability near all five beaches for the purpose of developing them. A beach cleaning drive will be initiated for maintaining cleanliness on the sea shore. The project will also comprise of installing sign boards along the road that connects the highway and the beach. Appointment of security guards, organising beach festivals, surfing events, implementing recommendations of Swaminathan Committee Report on Tourism too will be the part of promoting beach development,” the DC said.

Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Tulasi Maddineni suggested to develop Abbakka fort in Someshwar and ensure that the tourists who come to Someshwar not only visit the beach, but also pay a visit to the temple and the fort. She also insisted on beautification of a rock formation near the temple which can be an added attraction.

The Deputy Commissioner said that the government has appointed a tourism consultant to the district who will a pay visit shortly.