Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Nov 5: The state government, for the first time in the country, is scheduled to take beaches by way of adoption and develop them with a Central government grant. In the first phase, Iddya beach in Suratkal, Kodi in Kundapur and Gokarna beach in Uttara Kannada district, will be adopted. The project will be initiated on November 10.

It is said that beaches will be developed through the state government's Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute and each beach will be slated to get eight crore rupees for the purpose.

The Central government proposes to set up Blue Flag beaches in different states by meeting standard specifications like environment-friendly atmosphere, cleanliness, and facilities. Eight beaches including Padubidri and Kasargod have already won this recognition. Proposals are underway to get Blue Flag accreditation to Iddya and Kodi beaches. In the next phase, Gokarna is slated to be converted into a Blue Flag beach.

Clean Kundapur Project team has been cleaning Kodi beach now. The team has also organized Beach Utsav to promote tourism. The sea walk set up at Kodi has become a hit and a huge crowd is witnessed at this beach during the weekends.

Regional director of the environment department and deputy conservator of forests Dr Dinesh visited Kodi beach on November 4. He said that three beaches have been adopted and for five months, cleanliness, developing green environment, creating awareness and planting of boards will be undertaken. He said that a tourist's protection squad also will function at these beaches. Deputy commissioner of the district G Jagadeesha said that Kaup and Malpe beaches are being developed and Maravante and Someshwar beaches too will get developed. He said that water quality assessment at Kodi beach has been sought after which recommendation for Blue Flag recognition will be sent as and when requested.