Lights yet to deck up Kundapura’s Kodi beach seawalk

Kundapura: Kodi beach here, claimed to be one of the longest beaches in land area, is yet to see operational lighting at its seawalk, built for people to enjoy time at the beach after sunset.

Waste collection too is almost non-existent at the beach and seawalk.

The beach is uncontrollably crowded especially during weekends. It was adopted by the State government after a grant from the Centre. After which four lifeguards were hired for the protection of visitors on the beach but locals and visitors do not pay any heed to these beach workers instructions.

The ‘Clean Kundapur Project’ has been operating here since 77 consecutive weeks. The town council, forest department and police department have also joined hands with the volunteers of the project.

Beach cleaning machines were to be brought here after the formation of the Beach Committee which will be presided by the Assistant Commissioner. However, the machines are yet to come.

Almost a year ago, the town council requested the district authorities to provide the unused machine lying with Malpe beach authorities. But the machine has not yet arrived.

CCTV cameras have been installed at the seawalk and parts of the beach but as there are no lights after nightfall, the cameras are of no use.

“The lights on the seawalk was installed by the Fisheries Department and the maintenance is to done by the concerned contractors. The electricity expenses for the same is being borne by the town council. Fixing of lights will be done as soon as possible and 45 trash bins have already been bought and will be installed soon. Pre-fabricated toilets will also be purchased and installed soon,” said Gopalakrishna Shetty of the Kundapura town council.