Lack of development, Bengre now a destination for illegal activity

Mangaluru: A beach which should have been a tourist attraction is now a destination for illegal activities due to lack of development.

The beach is located at Bengre on the outskirts of Mangaluru. Though it has not been included in the Toursim Department’s list of beaches, it is none the less known as a tourist destination. This beach is located at the distance of a kilometer from Bunder and about 10 kms from the New Mangalore Port via waterway. But due to the lack of development it remains unknown.

Garbage dominates the beach!

With the aim to check the current condition of the beach, a team from ‘Udayavani’ visited the beach and witnessed garbage dominating the way to the beach as well as along the beach. Empty beer bottles were littered everywhere and with broken bottles lying around, one wrong step and injure oneself.

Empty cigarette packets have been disposed here and there. It is true that the beach has metamorphosed into a destination for illegal activities. Since the garbage floating in the sea is failing to get deposited on the beach and remain in the sea water, the water has become dirty and is full of garbage.

This is an estuary

The specialty of this place is that on the West side lies the Arabian Sea and on the other side Netravati, Phalguni and Vaishakha rivers meet. Tourists come over here in the evening to witness the tremendous beauty of the three rivers meeting with the sea. But, it has not been able to attract more tourists, says Lokesh Suvarna, a local.

Provide basic facilities

As per the localites, stones have been installed to prevent sea erosion. Also seating arrangement has been made. But to see the sea, one has to walk on the stones, which is difficult. With a slight loss of concentration, there is a possibility for one’s leg getting stuck between the rocks. There are no public toilets or rest rooms and there is a lack of basic infrastructure. A watch tower is required to enjoy the beauty of the location.    

Besides, a public toilet facility and a sea walk would definitely improve the tourism potential of this place says Lokesh Suvarna.

Beach attracts at least 300 visitors on weekends

Though left back in development, tourists still visit the place for its natural beauty. Tourists also go to the brake water at the mouth of the estuary to view the sunset. On Sundays, the beach attracts more than 300 visitors. On other days, even though less, the beach is visited by at least 30 people. Foreign tourists from cruise ships calling in at the New Mangalore Port also visit this beach.

No development work as taken place here

“In order to make it comfortable for the tourists, benches have been installed at Bengre beach under various grants. A stone wall has been created under the ADB plan to prevent sea erosion. The garbage and waste had been completely disposed recently and the beach had been cleaned. But again garbage has been dumped here. The people need to be self aware on not to throw garbage. No development process has occurred here in relation to making it a tourist attraction,” said Meera Karkera, Corporator.

Article by Dhanya Balekaje translated into English by Aaron Dmello