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UDUPI: With St Mary’s Island and Malpe beach declared clean and zero waste areas, there should be no laxity in implementing it, district in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj said. Waste should be periodically cleared and there should not be complaints in this regard, the minister who chaired the meeting of Malpe Beach Development Committee at the DCs office on Saturday, said adding due effort should be given to ensuring cleanliness of the beach at all times.

 There should be continuous effort to disseminate information regarding cleanliness among tourists by way of recorded message in the boats that ferry tourists to the Island. The message should specifically be about avoiding use of plastics, he said. In a bid to develop beach stretch from Padu Tonse to Padukere, the minister suggested introduction of attractive boat houses. This will enthuse tourists to spend some quality time on the shore in such boat houses, he noted.

 The district has received Rs 15 crore under Swadesh Darshan scheme for tourism development and funds will be utilised for developing water sports at Malpe, Trasi and Maravanthe beaches, set up rescue boats at these beaches for enhanced tourist safety as well as set up a floating restaurant and procure other material that will aid growth of tourism related activities. All these works should be taken up in a time bound manner after preparing an action plan, he directed.

 Taking note of the work taken by department of ports to construct a retaining wall at Malpe beach, the minister directed the authorities to ensure that this does not mar the scenic beauty of the beach. The committee also decided to install LED high mast lamps at the parking area of the beach as well as place barricade and rumbler strips to ensure that motorists do not speed down the road leading to the beach and thereby endanger lives and limbs of tourists who flock to the beach.

Acknowledging complaints received regarding deficiencies in Wi-Fi service provided at Malpe beach, the committee decided to rope in a telecom operator who can provide quality service. Prashant Amin, Udupi CMC councillor and member of committee drew attention to deficiencies in interlock system and construction of drains on the road leading to the beach. Priyanka Mary Francis, deputy commissioner, councilors and other officials were present.