Samvartha B A/The Hindu
Mangalore, Feb 7: The dreams of traversing the coastal landscape in helicopters, which took wings in the hearts of people here, have to land back on ground. For, the gravitation of reality demands it.
Inaugurating the Karavali Utsav here on January 4, Tourism and Infrastructure Development Minister G. Janardhan Reddy had promised to introduce heli-tourism in the city with 10 helicopters. But, one month later, it appears steps have not been taken to fulfil the promise.
Speaking to The Hindu, Deputy Commissioner V. Ponnuraj, who took charge on January 5, said that he had no clue about heli-tourism being introduced in Mangalore.
According to the former Deputy Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao the plan was neither discussed with the district administration nor was it proposed by it.
Headquarters Assistant to Deputy Commissioner S.A. Prabhakar Sharma said that there was no proposal nor any information received regarding heli-tourism being introduced in Mangalore.
Sources in the Department of Tourism in Mangalore also said that they had received no information regarding heli-tourism.
Heli-tourism is a new concept which by transporting tourists from one spot to another saves time and makes it possible for them to visit many a places in a short span of time, explained Mangalore Airport Director M.R. Vasudeva.
Eulalia, proprietor of Lia Travels and Tours, Mangalore, said that the Government should concentrate more on “ground tourism before flying.” Ms. Eulalia says that heli-tourism is “class tourism” as she sees and demands preparations.
Manager of Safe Wheels Tours and Travels Vijayendra said that the tourist spots should be identified first and developed, which, he said, would ensure the success of heli-tourism. He said that “but we don’t have good tourist spots. Even those who come to Mangalore come for pilgrimage (to visit temples such as Dharmasthala, Kukke Subramanya and Kollur Mookambika, Kateel Durga Parameshwari) and not for tourism in its popular meaning.”
He pointed out that the beaches in the entire Karnataka coast could be turned into tourist spots. But Santosh, owner of Swathika Holiday Solutions, said that the beaches near Mangalore were not safe and did not make good tourist spots.
So he suggested that “if heli-tourism is being introduced, then it should mainly concentrate on temple tourism”. He also feels that with the increasing educational institutes in and around Mangalore, education tourism would be a good idea.
An aviation professional, on the condition of anonymity, said, “Heli-tourism has potential but it cannot be started immediately in the city”. He said proper ground work should be done before implementing any plan.
The city has one helipad at Mary Hill, near the official residence of the Inspector General of Police (Western Range). This is rarely used. It is under the supervision of Public Works Department (PWD).