The proposal to construct a floating jetty at the St. Mary’s Island, about six km from Malpe beach here, is in cold storage.
This scenic island is about 30-minute boat ride from the Malpe fisheries harbour. This palm-fringed island without any human habitation covers 500m in length and a width of 100 metres. The island has unique basalt rock formations jutting out into the Arabian Sea in intriguing shapes.
The island is a popular tourist destination. There is a boat service from Malpe fisheries harbour to the St. Mary’s Island for about eight (off-monsoon) months. It is estimated that nearly 80,000 persons visit this island during these eight months.
No actionThough a proposal for construction of a floating jetty at St. Mary’s Island was sent by the district administration to the Department of Tourism, there has been no action on it.
“A proposal of Rs. 2.25 crore to construct a floating jetty at St. Mary’s Island was sent to the Tourism Department three years ago, but there has been no progress on it. The estimate for the floating jetty was done by the Nirmiti Kendra,” said Kumara, Additional Deputy Commissioner.
Due to the lack of jetty, tourists go close to the island in a mechanised boat. Then they to get into a small boat, which takes them close to the island.
Again they have to get into the sea water and then walk to the island.
While returning from the island, the tourists have to first get into a small boat, which takes them to a big mechanised boat into which they have to shift before returning to Malpe fisheries harbour.
“The construction of a floating jetty will do away the need for the tourists to change two boats and get into the sea water while going to or coming back from the island. They will be able to climb directly into the boat,” said Arun Kumar, Project Director of Nirmiti Kendra.
Saline waterAgain, though toilets have been constructed on the island, tourists are reluctant to use saline water. The lack of jetty has meant that no potable water can be transported from Malpe to the island.
“If a jetty is constructed, we can transport potable water daily to the island on the boat. Besides, we can provide better facilities at the island,” Mr. Kumar said.
Even after the proposal is sanctioned, it would take a year to construct the jetty at the St. Mary’s Island. “Since it is a floating jetty, it will require at least a year to build it,” Mr. Kumar said.