Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Feb 6: For the fourth time, sea turtles have visited Kundapur Kody and Madya Kody beaches here and laid eggs. Environmentalists believe that this is a sign that the beaches of Karnataka coast are turning nature friendly.

Locals say that since the last few years, they had not come across the sea turtle eggs. The main reason for their staying away was environmental damage.

Under the Swachh Bharat Harit Bharat scheme of the central government, five beaches in Karnataka have been adopted by the environment and biology department in association with environment management and policy research organization during November last year. The beaches are Bengre Mangaluru (till Tannirbavi), Iddya Guddekopla, and Kundapur Kody, Madyakody, and Gokarna beach. Two people who know swimming are deployed here. They not only look after cleanliness but also educate the visitors about maintaining cleanliness.

Manly, the beaches are littered by people who throw liquor bottles, empty cigarette packets, condoms etc. Once in a while voluntary organizations used to clean the beaches but now there is a permanent system to clean the beaches there.

Karnataka beaches known for fishing of late, are turning into tourist destinations. Major reason for this shift is the fact that local administrations have been giving priority to cleanliness and safety.