The project of developing four beaches and Sultan Battery using funds granted by the Union government three years ago is finally making a beginning with the work set to start in Someshwara and Surathkal.
Someshwara and Surathkal are among the five places in Dakshina Kannada selected for a project of the Department of Tourism. It envisages the development of 23 beaches in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts. The Union government had granted ₹ 50 crore for the project in 2014.
The other places selected for development in Dakshina Kannada are Ullal, Talapady (Batpady) and Sultan Battery.
The Union government allocated Rs. 13.78 crore for works in the district.
Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Ltd. (formerly known as Karnataka Land Army) was appointed the nodal agency to execute the works. While works were completed in Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts, it did not kick start in Mangaluru.
Deputy Commissioner K.G. Jagadeesha told The Hindu that KRIDL submitted to Tourism Department a detailed project report (DPR) of works to be carried out in Someshwara and Surathkal, following a review meeting by Secretary to Tourism Department Naveen Raj Singh recently.
“We expect this report to be cleared by the Tourism Department in the meeting on June 10. KRIDL will start the work soon after,” he added.
Mr. Jagadeesha said that KRIDL has proposed the construction of change rooms and rest rooms at Someshwaraa and Surathkal. Instead of benches, the agency proposed having niche made of stones for visitors at the two beaches.
He said that funds available under the project will be used for works proposed at the Sasihitlu beach. A report for works at Sasihitlu beach will shortly be sent to the Tourism Department. Mr. Jagadeesha said that some issues, including the absence of government land, that have delayed taking up works at Ullal, Talapady (Batpady) and Sultan Battery are being addressed.
