Initiate measures to save Munda Beach: Congress leaders

Former MLA Abhayachandra Jain and Congress leader Mithun Rai have urged district administration to initiate measures to check sea erosion in Munda Beach near Haleyangady.

The beach had caught attention globally when international surfing festival was held a few years ago.

The sea erosion has damaged the beauty of the beach, If the erosion continues, then the beach will lose its identity, said leaders, who were speaking during the visit to the beach.

"The entire stretch of the beach has been damaged. The retaining wall, at a cost of Rs 50 lakh, was constructed to check the erosion four years ago. There was a plan to provide connectivity from Munda Beach to Chitrapura. However, it has not been taken up. More than two acres of land of the beach has been affected by the erosion," Jain said.

Stating that the development of Munda Beach has been neglected, Jain said that surfing festival was organised when he was the MLA.

“To protect tourists from drowning, a watchman and lifeguards were deployed at the beach. Hotels, shops and toilets constructed near the beach have been neglected. A few structures have already been washed away. Several coconut trees have been washed away due to the fury of the waves,” he added.

Jain urged tourism minister to initiate measures to develop Munda Beach.

“Without lifeguards, the visitors are risking their lives. In the last two months, four persons have drowned in the sea,” said Chandru, a local resident.

"A campaign needs to be started to save Munda Beach. The area where surfing competitions was held has already been affected by the erosion. There are about 60 acres of government land in and around the beach, which needs be developed on the lines of Maravanthe beach," Mithun Rai said.