Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS/HB)

Udupi, Jul 9: Deputy Commissioner of the district Hepsiba Rani Korlapati has directed the secretary of Malpe Development Authority to call for a new tender for the boats to ferry tourists to St Mary's Island from the Malpe Beach and Jetty as the validity of the previously issued permit is over.

The DC spoke in the Malpe Development committee meeting that was held in the auditorium of the DC office on Monday.

Hepsiba Korlapati said that the permission is already granted for four boats from the beach and three boats from the jetty to ferry tourists to St Mary's Island. The validity of the permit is getting over. The DC asked the secretary to call for a new tender and also fix the rate for the journey and inspect the safety precautions in the boat.

The DC also instructed to call this meeting once in every two months and form a plan and work accordingly.

MLA Raghupati Bhat asked for the arrangement of an ambulance on the Malpe beach to provide first aid and also to admit the person or persons to hospital in case of any emergency that occurs on the beach during taking bath or playing in the water. He also questioned the one hour time limit that is put on the tourists to view the Island and prevention of carrying any eatables to the Island.

The DC said that spot inspection will be done along with the MLA and SP to know the development work that needs to be done at St Mary's Island.