Mangaluru
Marking a step towards enhancing amenities at coastal pilgrimage centres, Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta on Sunday laid the foundation for a new public toilet facility near the historic Shri Somanatha Temple in Ullal-Someshwara. The project, funded under the MP’s 2024–25 MPLADS allocation of ₹18 lakh, is aimed at improving hygiene and convenience for devotees and tourists visiting the temple and nearby Someshwara Beach.
The ceremony, attended by local leaders, temple authorities, and residents, began with traditional rituals. The MP highlighted that this initiative marks the first in a series of infrastructure development projects planned for prominent religious and tourist locations across the constituency.
“The idea is to make the temple tourism experience in coastal Karnataka cleaner and more comfortable while preserving our spiritual and cultural legacy,” Capt. Chowta said. A former officer of the Indian Army’s Gorkha Regiment, he added that the project aligns with his broader vision of sustainable tourism development in Dakshina Kannada.
The 10th-century Someshwara Temple, believed to have been built by the Alupa Dynasty and renovated in the 15th century, is revered as Rudrapada Kshetra, where special rituals for ancestors are performed. Situated beside Someshwara Beach, where the Netravati River meets the Arabian Sea, the spot is renowned for its scenic sunsets and cultural significance.
Local tourism officials welcomed the initiative, noting that improved amenities will enhance the visitor experience while promoting responsible tourism. Chowta has also recently inaugurated ₹6 crore in road projects in Sullia and a ₹2.75 crore access road in Kadaba, reinforcing his emphasis on infrastructure and connectivity in the region.
