Floating jetty at St. Mary’s Island: DC

Malpe: A floating jetty would be constructed on St. Mary’s Island at a cost of Rs.2.26 crore  to make it easy for tourists to descend and ascend from boats taking them from Malpe, said Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis, on Tuesday

Chairing a meeting of the District Tourism Development Committee at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Ms. Francis said that currently, tourists travel in a big boat towards the island and then shift to a small boat to reach the island. Due to lack of a jetty, the tourists are compelled to step into the water to access the island. Shifting the boats in the midst of the sea was dangerous especially for children and senior citizens. Therefore a a proposal for a floating jetty had been prepared and the jetty can be removed during monsoon, she informed.

The DC directed the officers of Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Ltd. (KRIDL) to install CCTV cameras at Malpe beach and to build the shelter and watch tower there.

Trasi beach

20 shops would be given to the petty shopkeepers whose shops were removed from Trasi beach, at a pre-designated Tourism Department land which will be fenced. She also directed the officers of Nirmiti Kendra to prepare a proposal to construct guesthouses in traditional style to attract tourists to Trasi. The beach will also be provided with a watch tower and proper lighting facilities.

Houseboats

The district administration has already sanctioned the operation of two houseboats in the district and applications for the operation of five more houseboats have been received. Separate guidelines need to be drawn by the Tourist department officials for operation of houseboats and to prevent their over-crowding the rivers, she said.

Surfing

A State-level surfing competition will be held at Padukere on September 29 and 30 to promote surfing activities in the district. It was decided that social media will be used to  promote tourist spots in the district.