Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Sep 19: Malpe beach has reopened to tourists following the withdrawal of monsoon-related safety restrictions, with water sports and boat services to St Mary’s Island resuming from Friday.
The barricade installed along the beach to prevent tourists from entering the sea during the monsoon was removed on September 17. With the reopening, various water sports activities have also resumed.
As rough sea conditions are common during the monsoon, safety measures are generally implemented for at least four months every year as a precaution for visitors. A fishnet barricade, about 10 feet high, is installed along the beach at a distance of around 20 feet from the shoreline.
Water sports including jet ski rides, parasailing, banana rides, ATV sand biking, disco boat rides, bumpy rides, zorbing and boat rounds have now resumed at Malpe beach.
The four-month monsoon restriction on entry to St Mary’s Island has also been lifted, with boat services resuming from Friday. Speedboats near the Sea Walk and beach have been readied for the island trips.
Meanwhile, Scouts and NSS students, with the cooperation of the district administration, have cleared overgrown vegetation and cleaned areas around the island.
Despite the reopening, accumulation of plastic waste and other garbage along the Malpe beach stretch, particularly from the beach towards the Sea Walk, remains a concern.
Garbage bins placed at various locations are overflowing, with waste scattered around them. Empty liquor bottles and plastic bags are also reportedly being left on the beach at night, while some tourists leave plastic bottles in the sand.
Lack of regular waste disposal has reportedly led to an increase in stray dogs and mosquitoes, causing inconvenience to visitors and locals. Although garbage from the main section was cleared on Thursday afternoon, waste remains in other areas.
With thousands of tourists expected to visit Malpe beach following its reopening, visitors have called for greater attention to cleanliness and regular waste management at the popular tourist destination.
The beach barricades have now been removed and tourists have been given free access to the shore. Water sports and other activities have also been permitted, while lifeguards and tourist mitras have been deployed for the safety of visitors.