Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Dec 28: BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje hoisted the ‘Blue Flag’ at Padubidri End Point here on Monday, December 28. It may be recalled Padubidri is one of the eight beaches that was selected from India for the blue flag recognition.
Union minister of environment, forest and climate change Prakash Javedkar and minister of state for environment, forest and climate change Babul Supriyo hoisted the Blue Flag at eight beaches virtually.
The programme was organised by the district administration, tourism department, ministry of environment, forestry and climate change, Government of India, Society of Integrated Coastal Management, and A2Z Infra Service Limited.
Speaking to media, the Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP said, “I am happy that Padubidri beach is one among the eight beaches to receive the Blue Flag recognition. Further, the two beaches in the state have received the coveted recognition. Facilities here were developed at a cost of Rs 10.68 crore, out of which Rs 8 crore was from the central government and Rs 2.68 crore from the state government."
“There are many beautiful tourist places in India, but we are not able to attract tourists due to lack of infrastructure. A proposal of Rs 6.10 crore has been sent to the government for making sure that there is better infrastructure. We need to do many developmental works like the widening of beach connecting roads, expansion of parking area, retention wall among others."
“The central government has taken up eight developmental plans under the Sagarmala project in order to develop circuit tourism in Udupi. The total cost of the project is Rs 1,000 crore.
“The government has decided to release Rs 100 crore for the development of Hejamadi-Kodi harbour, floating jetty, improvement of lighthouse and lighting at the lighthouse, and developing marina at Padukere beach. Barkur Alupa heritage centre will be made as an interpretation centre. There is also building ferry service centre at Kallianpur bridge and Mabukala bridge, seafood park, development of port and development of Kodi-Kundapur beach as eco-tourism spot, Gangolli beach development, construction of island shopping centre, and making Karkala-Moodbidri, a Jain spiritual spot are included in the project.
“It is estimated that the plan is worth about Rs 2,500 crore and all the development will be constructed under the PPP model.
“We will put in our best efforts in bringing grants from the centre and state government to provide infrastructure. There is an opportunity to develop 38 beaches in the coastal region. Fishermen will have opportunities other than fishing also,” she said.
Kaup MLA Lalaji R Mendon said, “There is a need to arrange more lifeguards as tourists do not know the depth of the sea. Hence, it is necessary to have a squad at the beach. Also, a retention wall is required.”
Fitness and park for children, bamboo sheds, jogging track, separate bathing zones, separate bathrooms for specially-abled persons are among the facilities provided at Padubidri End Point beach.
Udupi MLA Raghupati Bhat, deputy commissioner G Jagadeesha, zilla panchayat CEO Naveen Bhat Y, Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde, president, Coastal Development Authority Mangaluru, Jayaprakash Hegde, president, Backward Classes Commission, Dinakar Babu, president, zilla panchayat, Manohar Shetty, president, Coastal Tourism Organisations, Vishnuvardhan, district superintendent of police, Rashmi, Kaup tahsildar and others were present.
Somashekhar B K, assistant director, tourism department Udupi, welcomed the gathering.