Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jan 6: District tourism department would be providing free WiFi facility at Malpe beach commencing from January 15 this year. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) is making arrangements to facilitate this initiative, under which one number would be eligible to get an hour of WiFi free of cost.

Deputy commissioner of the district, Dr Vishal R, who presided over the district tourism and Malpe development committee meeting, gave this information on Tuesday January 5. He said that the tourism department has already deposited a sum of one lac rupees for a period of three months with BSNL, and that the tourists would be able to access free WiFi from the 15th of this month.

He said that Reliance company too has come forward to provide WiFi facility. "For the benefit of tourists, development works have been undertaken, priority is being given at the beach to cleanliness and safety, and maintenance of the district tourism website has been entrusted to Omega Solutions through e-tender process," he explained.

At the meeting, the deputy commissioner also reviewed implementation of various projects being undertaken at Padubidri, Trasi, Maravanthe, Kaup and Ottinele beaches for tourism development at a cost of Rs 9.13 crore. This work has been given to Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Ltd for creating basic facilities and laying of roads.

Vishal instructed the project director of Nirmiti Kendra to utilize the balance amount of Rs 33 lac rupees left after executing boat jetty constructed near Malpe beach, for erection of hi mast lamp, interlocks, ticket counter, and to provide shadow for the tourists in gazebo model. He also directed the municipal commissioner, Manjunathaiah, to serve notices on illegal shops located at the parking area at Malpe about not maintaining the area clean, and to cancel their permissions. He asked police officials to hold consultation with Coastal Security Police Force towards strengthening police vigil at St Mary's island.

Tourism department officer, Nagaraj, project director of Nirmiti Kendra, Arun, Sudesh, who has been entrusted with beach development work, Yatish Bykampady, and representatives of Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry were present at the meeting.