State’s approval being sought for developing four beaches

State’s approval being sought for developing four beaches

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, July 20, 2016: Nearly two years after the Union government released funds for development of four beaches here, the State government’s approval is being sought for development of Someshwar, Talapady, Ullal and Surathkal beaches.

A proposal has been made to consider the development of Tannirbhavi beach instead of Sultan Battery as there is not much space available at the latter spot to take up work.

Following estimates submitted by Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Ltd. (KRIDL), an amount of Rs. 3.32 crore has been sanctioned for the development of Someshwar beach.

Similarly, Rs. 1.89 crore has been sanctioned for the development of Ullal beach, Rs. 3.51 crore for Talapady beach and Rs. 3.22 crore for the Surathkal beach.

Minister for Food and Civil Supplies U.T. Khader told reporters here on Tuesday said KRIDL has been appointed to carry out works for developing 23 beaches in the State, including five in Mangaluru. The work of developing these beaches will start after the government grants administrative approval which was expected in the next few days, he said.

It was in June 2014 that the Union government granted Rs. 50 crore Central Finance Assistance for the development of Coastal Tourism in the State.

Among the facilities proposed at these places include pedestrian seating, landscape walkways, high-mast lighting, lifeguard watch tower, garbage and dust bins, food kiosks, parking facilities, warning and other signages, recreation area and rescue boats.

According to Tejamurthy, Assistant Director of Tourism, the Union government has released Rs. 50 crore to the State government. A few days ago, KRIDL submitted to the State government the estimates for the development of four beaches after incorporating some suggestions made by the Director of Tourism Department.

Mr. Tejamurthy said that Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim has written to the Director of Tourism Department to take up the development of Tannirbhavi instead of the proposed Sultan Battery as the latter has no space for carrying out development activity. A sum of Rs. 2.6 core has been earmarked for Sultan Battery. The director was yet to take a decision on this proposal, he said.

Courtesy: The Hindu