Yashodhara Bangera

Daijiworld Media Network–Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, Sep 29: There is no dearth of tourist spots in Moodbidri which has ample scope for development in tourism sector. However with the absence of minimum safety measures, these tourist spots are becoming very risky.

Nisarga dhama in municipal council limits, Kanchibailu Arbhikatte falls in Puthige gram panchayat limits, Mathada Kere under Belvai gram panchayat limits and Konaje Kallu near Shirthadi are devoid of safety measures.

Several people from nearby towns come to see the tourist places. The number of people arriving here with their families during weekends is increasing. However mishaps are certain if the tourists do not take adequate precautions during their visits.

A student of Govindadasa College who had arrived at Kanchibailu Arbikatte for excursion in a group last month died of drowning. Another student who had gone for swimming in Belvai Math lake was washed away a few months ago. A youth had drowned in the sea lake few kilometres away from Moodbidri town two years ago. This way at least two people lose their lives here in a year.

The government has spent several crores of rupees for the development of sea lake. There is an attractive bird sanctuary in between the sea lake. Boat facilities are available in few months of the year. However the government has failed in providing adequate safety measures at Nisarga dhama.

Belvai panchayat has developed the historic lake of the Math beside Moodbidri – Karkala national highway with help from panchayat donors for swimmers. A safety project worth Rs 5 lacs has been prepared. However safety measures remain a distant dream due to scarcity of funds.

Kanchibailu-Arbikatte falls area attracts tourists in the spring. But the sliding rocks have become life threatening. A discussion on safety and people coming here drunk was held in last month's gram sabha meeting. However administrative impediments have kept safety at bay.