Mangalore, 9 Sep 2014: The state tourism minister R V Deshpande held a media conference at Hotel Ocean Pearl here on Tuesday September 9.
Infosys Technologies vice president Ramdas Kamat putting forth the demands to develop tourism in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi district said that Karnataka has the potential to develop beach tourism because of long coastline. Meanwhile, most of the people of Karnataka go to Kerala and Goa, where the infrastructural facilities are well development for beach tourism. We have submitted a report based on our survey about how to develop the beaches, how to attract tourists to pristine coastal beaches and how to generate revenue. Forty-six beaches have been identified across Karnataka shoreline that could be developed as worldclass destinations with partnership of private, local and government.
Ramdas further said that changes need to be made in Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) notification to suit tourism needs, shifting CRZ office from Bangalore to Mangalore, forming National Maritime Board, exempt customs duty for beach tourism materials and equipments. The facilities to Homestay owners such as financial assistance by way of subsidy and interest-free-loans, creating separate brand for beach homestays, marketing by way of promotions by state in all their publicity materials and training the homestay owners and home makers in hospitality and hygiene.
‘The beaches that need to be developed with basic infrastructure aqs the next generation of smart beaches, infrastructure, wide connecting roads, welcome arch signage at national highway, proper floodlights, jet ski for the rescue team, lifeguards, restrooms, parking area,’ said Ramdas.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA J R Lobo said that the need of the hour is to shift CRZ office from Bangalore to Mangalore. There has been encroachment along the coast that ought to be addressed. The government officials, locals should co-operate with those who are keen to develop beach tourism, said MLA Lobo.
The state forests and DK district-in-charge minister Ramanat Rai said that its essential beach tourism friendly environment should be created to attract tourists. He also assured to relocate CRZ office from state capital to Mangalore.
The state health minister U T Khader said that beach tourism is a challenge in sea erosion prone stretch of coast. If the concrete steps are being put in place to contain sea erosion, beach tourism will thrive in coastal district.
The minister Deshpande said that the state government has taken all measures to promote beach tourism. It has appointed consultants and experts to study the tourism potential in each district and submit its report. It has plans to speed up beach tourism in coastal district. Forty-four beaches and some islands along 320 kilometers coastal shoreline of Karnataka from Mangalroe to Karwar have been identified. The development work of the beaches will begin soon, said minister Deshpande.
Dr Mohan Alva, Summer Sands Beach Resorts CEO Aloysius Albuquerque, City Builders Association president Chowta offered their valuable suggestions in this regard.
MLC Ivan D’Souza, DC A B Ibrahim, ZP CEO Tulasi Maddineni, mayor Mahabala Marla and others were present on the occasion.
Courtesy : Bellevision