Udupi
Dr. Uday Shetty, secretary of Beach development committee and commissioner of city municipality said that warning has been given to beach maintenance people that entry to St Mary’s Island will be prohibited if one more tourist dies due to negligence.
He was responding to a query of municipality member Ramesh Kanchan who raised the issue of ‘no safety’ in Malpe beach and frequent deaths that have occurred at St Mary’s Island.
Ramesh Kanchan accused, “Life guards are less in number on Malpe beach. In addition, when tourists are taken to St Mary’s Island on boat many more people than the stipulated numbers are taken on board of the boat violating the rules. Even life jackets are not provided. Just in a week’s time six people have died. The person who has the contract to maintain the beach is very negligent.”
Replying to Ramesh Kanchan’s accusation, Uday Shetty said, “Already a meeting in this regard has taken place under the leadership of DC. It has been decided to take strict action against those who violate the rules. The boat ride conductors are warned. Discussion is held with regards to selfie points and placing warning boards. Not more than 70 people can travel in a boat. Only 500 people can be present at a time at the Island. If the incident recurs, entry to Island will be prohibited.”
Members of many wards said, “In city area roads and other areas are dug for Varahi project, which has caused drinking water issue. Mescom also cuts water pipes and creates problems for the pubic. Engineers of the city municipality are unaware of these works. All pending works should be finished before the onset of monsoon.”
Some other members also accused that under the limits of city municipality many unauthorised works of making shop within shop and renting it out is taking place. But city municipality is unaware of this as well. Revenue department should conduct operation in this regard.”
Environmental engineer Sneha said, “10 bio digester mobile toilets have been procured under Challenge Fund project for city municipality at a cost of Rs 50 lac. The maintenance of this will be outsourced. They will be placed at Malpe, Beedinagudde and Saralebettu government properties where daily wagers live in sheds. Owners who hire daily wage labourers should provide them basic infrastructure. Otherwise action can be taken against such owners.”
Laxmi Manjunath Kola and vice president of city municipality were present.
