Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru/Udupi

Mangaluru/Udupi, Jun 8: The onset of the southwest monsoon has drastically altered the coastal tourism landscape. While authorities in Dakshina Kannada have strictly prohibited sea entry and suspended water sports prioritizing safety, reckless tourists at Udupi's Malpe beach were seen blatantly violating safety barricades over the weekend.

Strict bans and red ropes at Mangaluru beaches

With the sea turning rough, tourist footfall has significantly declined across major beaches in Dakshina Kannada. The district administration has completely halted all water sports, including floating bridges, boat rides, jet skis, and parasailing, at Panambur, Tannirbhavi, and Someshwara beaches until further notice.

At Panambur beach, a red rope has been tied along the shoreline to prevent visitors from stepping into the water. Danger signboards have been prominently placed, and a 24-hour vigil is being maintained by lifeguards and the coastal security police. Authorities have warned that strict fines will be levied on those violating the rules.

Despite the ban on water entry, shore-based activities such as horse riding, camel riding, children's play areas, and food stalls remain operational, allowing visitors to enjoy the monsoon sea from a safe distance.

Sasihithlu Munda beach closed

In Mulki, tourist entry to the Sasihithlu Munda beach has been temporarily banned due to continuous heavy rains and gusty winds over the past two days. Beach management authorities stated that the preventive measure was taken due to the high risk of tall trees uprooting in the vicinity.

Shift towards trekking and temple tourism

With coastal water activities suspended for the next three to four months, tourist preferences are witnessing a seasonal shift. Adventure-seeking youths are heading towards the Western Ghats for monsoon trekking in Charmadi, Kudremukh, and Agumbe. Meanwhile, families and senior citizens are pivoting towards temple tourism, visiting major pilgrimage centers like Dharmasthala, Kukke Subrahmanya, Kateel, Kollur, and the Udupi Sri Krishna Math. Waterfalls like Arbi and Kudlu Theertha are also seeing an uptick in visitors.

Tourists risk lives at Malpe beach

In stark contrast to the disciplined adherence in Mangaluru, visitors at Malpe beach in Udupi engaged in reckless behavior on Sunday. As a precautionary measure, the tourism department had installed fishnet barricades to prevent people from entering the rough sea.

However, a massive weekend crowd blatantly ignored the restrictions. Since the netting was only installed up to the open-air theatre, tourists simply bypassed the barricade and entered the sea towards the sea walk area.

When the limited number of lifeguards—only three or four on duty—attempted to warn the public, many tourists argued with them and continued playing in the dangerous waters.

Expressing deep concern over this dangerous behavior, locals have demanded immediate intervention. They have urged the administration to act swiftly. "The barricade must be extended by at least another 200 meters from the open-air theatre. Furthermore, there is an urgent need to deploy additional lifeguards and increase police patrolling to prevent any potential tragedies," they stated.