Projects to promote tourism at Malpe, St Marry’s island

DHNS

• The stretch from Balram circle to Gandhi statue is being upgraded

Udupi, 20 May 2010: Tourists to Malpe beach and St Mary’s Isle are to have more fun and gala time from now on. The Udupi CMC is starting an array of novel projects along the shoreline and in the island as promotional strategy for tourism. 

Speaking to Deccan Herald, CMC Commissioner Gokuldass Nayak informed that a lot of plans have been made to meet the demand of the increasing number of tourists.

Parking spaces

To begin with, the parking system is given more prominence and elaborate parking zones have been set up in the areas in and around Malpe beach. Parking zone behind Paradise Isle paved with interlocking tiles has been set up. Besides, the southern side of the beach has been turned into an exclusive parking zone.

Other developments

An Open Air Theatre is being built adjacent to the parking zone on the southern side. The Gandhi statue near the shore will be renovated and the old circle will be given a face lift.
Pedestrians’ pathway with interlocking tiles has been built on either side of the roads besides the shore. More than 25 retail outlets have been permitted to be set up on the edges of the pedestrians’ pathway. The stretch extending from Balram circle to Gandhi statue is undergoing an upgradation at a cost of Rs 35 lakh.

The entire renovation work of the roads is being taken up by the CMC. Two Self-Help Groups have been engaged to keep the beach clean. Toilet facilities have been introduced at St Mary’s island. Parabolas with roofed crest and seating arrangements are put across the Island in large numbers. Informal pathways will be set up all over the island, which spans 24 acres, to make the area tourist friendly. Adventure sports like rock climbing will also be introduced. As part of the second phase of the project, a jetty will be built at St Mary’s island and another on the other side at Malpe beach, at a cost of Rs 1 crore.  It has been long time since any new projects were taken up at Malpe coast and St Mary’s island. The Tourism Department and CMC are joining hands to introduce more projects in the area with the sole purpose of boosting tourism, Nayak added. The whole project is taken up at a cost of Rs 76 lakhs.