'Improve facilities in beaches to promote tourism'

Karnataka Tourism Vision Group, headed by T V Mohandas Pai has recommended to the State government to improve infrastructure facilities in beaches to promote beach tourism in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts, said member and Infosys Executive Vice President U Ramdas Kamath.

Speaking to mediapersons here on Wednesday, he said that Rs 66 crore has been sought for the development of beaches in the State. The government has already sanctioned part of it to Dakshina Kannada.

At the same time, the Vision group has impressed upon the Central government to develop roads leading to the beaches. The vision group aims at developing Karnataka as a tourist destination. “It suggested a road map to increase the State’s tourist traffic.

About 80 per cent of the tourist from Karnataka go to Goa. There is a need to retain them here by developing beaches. The promotion of beach tourism will enhance trade and commerce and also generate employment. The earnings from tourism in Agra is Rs 21 crore, while Hampi is Rs 1.6 crore,” he said.

Stating that thrust should be laid on cleanliness of the beaches, Kamath said that money should be kept aside for cleaning the beaches daily. Beaches should not be littered.

There is a need for administrative mechanism to manage the beaches.” At the same time, infrastructure like toilets, locker rooms, bathrooms should also be developed.

On IT

Stating that Mangalore’s contribution to IT export of Karnataka is less than two per cent, Kamath said government’s assurance of promoting IT sector in tier II cities, has not been implemented in reality. Mudipu IT SEZ does not have water, electricity connection. In such a scenario, how can IT industry flourish? he asked.

The elected representatives of the region should raise their voice and get the infrastructure for the IT to flourish in the region.

The flights to Mangalore from Bangalore are costly. With the same amount, one can go to Delhi from Bangalore. At the same time, the deplorable condition of the roads are crying for attention.