Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jul 17: The city municipal commissioner here, who also happens to be the secretary of Malpe Development Committee, has issued orders to vacate a food court restaurant being operated in the world famous St Mary's Island off Malpe, which is being run by private operators.

It has been found that the restaurant in question has violated Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) rules.

The Geological Survey of India has recognized St Mary's Island as national geological monument. This region has to be conserved as per CRZ rules. Therefore, for conducting any activity in the island, obtaining of prior permission from Karnataka State Coastal Regulatory Authority is mandatory. However, the restaurant has been opened without this permission, said secretary to the department of forest, environment, and ecology, in a letter addressed to the deputy commissioner of the district. He also wrote to the concerned to file case and take legal action against the violators.

In tune with the instructions received by the deputy commissioner of the district, who is also the president of Malpe Development Committee, had written to the municipal commissioner. The municipal commissioner has accordingly issued notice to Sudesh Shetty, who was awarded the contract to run the restaurant.