Land identified near Udupi for construction of world-class marina

Udupi: Land for the construction of a world-class marina which will facilitate the stoppage of domestic and foreign cruise ships has been identified at Padukare near here.

The Coastal Development Authority will soon start preparing a report on it.

The central government had earmarked Rs 800 crore for the development of the marina under the Sagar Mala project.

A total of 3 natural islands, including Bahadurgad Island near Padukare have been judged to be suitable for implementing the marina project.

The Coastal Development Authority will be preparing the report at a cost of Rs 1 crore and has roped in the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune to do the bathymetric surveys and technical feasibility survey.

The CWPRS will prepare the survey reports within the next 10 months after which the DPR will be prepared by the Authority if the report recommends a go-ahead.

A breakwater of 1.66 kilometres to 2 kilometres will have to be built and behind it the marina will be built in an area of 3.69 kilometres.

If the marina is built then over 4,000 vessels that pass through the Malpe-Padukare sea route every year will be able to stop here.

The marina will generate huge revenue for the government and will increase employment opportunities in the area around the Malpe-Padukare beach in addition to making it a major destination for tourism.