Write Comment     |     E-Mail To a Friend     |     Facebook     |     Twitter     |     Print

dupi : Pramod Madhwaraj District in-charge Minister, Minister for State for Fisheries, Sports and Youth Empowerment inaugurated the Eco-tourism and Responsible Travel Activities at St. Mary’s Island near here on Thursday, 30^th November, 2017.

In his inaugural address Pramod Madhwaraj said that St. Mary’s Island happens to be one of the most beautiful islands in India. The columnar rocks in St Mary’s Island which is only found in African islands. St Mary’s island was formed by sub-aerial subvolcanic activity.

In 2016 it was declared a Zero waste Island. About 450 tones’ of waste has been cleared off the island in the last two years. I have given special attention and initiative to develop this natural beautiful island. The island beautification has been done using eco-friendly materials – be it the entrance arch or the food court, he said.

He said that Malpe Development Committee and Mantra Tourism Development Company are maintaining now this island. Every year Rs. 56 lac is paid to Beach Development Committee. The tourists should need to ensure that safety and security giving most important aspect over here. The rates for food items, water and other should be approved by the Beach Development Committee, he said.

Pramod Madhwaraj said that today is the one of the most memorable day in my life. When I was in 6 years old, the strong wave of the sea here taken to me deep and unfortunately in another wave; I was brought back to the shore. That day I supposed to die.  But God has saved me and today I am happy to here for the inauguration of Eco tourism place being minister of the state.

Many new facilities have been provided like food court, mobile recharging points, visitors lounge, Cycle ride, natural shelters,  Huts and Gazebo, Renovated toilets and changing room, Freshwater arrangement and storage, power supply, covered waiting area, first aid, lifeguard duty and safety equipment, seating arrangement, island office setup, screening at entrance gate, luggage room, greening – more than 320 saplings, night security, solid waste management, island marshals, street lights, information center, souvenir shop and many more.

Pramod Madhwaraj said that today is the one of the most memorable day in my life. When I was in 6 years old, the strong wave of the sea here taken to me deep and unfortunately in another wave; I was brought back to the shore. That day I supposed to die.  But God has saved me and today I am happy to here for the inauguration of Eco tourism place being minister of the state.

Many new facilities have been provided like food court, mobile recharging points, visitors lounge, Cycle ride, natural shelters,  Huts and Gazebo, Renovated toilets and changing room, Freshwater arrangement and storage, power supply, covered waiting area, first aid, lifeguard duty and safety equipment, seating arrangement, island office setup, screening at entrance gate, luggage room, greening – more than 320 saplings, night security, solid waste management, island marshals, street lights, information center, souvenir shop and many more.

In the last two years, an attempt has been made to re-position the island as an Eco Tourism Hotspot. Towards this end the following processes have been undertaken.

To maintain essential ecological processes and to conserve the natural heritage and biodiversity. It also improve the international tourism rating of the destination.

To provide more enjoyable experiences and satisfaction to tourists through a greater understanding of social and environmental issues and raising awareness about sustainable practices among them.

Eco-tourism initiatives can bring about responsible behaviors among travelers, making them more enthusiastic and effective agents of environmental conservation. It is also a step towards inclusive growth.

To encourage the reuse of eco-friendly materials, banning plastics and minimizing carbon footprint on the island.

The islands forms one of the four geological monuments in Karnataka state and one of the 26 Geological Monuments of India declared by the Geological Survey of India in 2001. In the year 1498, Vasco da Gama landed at St. Mary’s Lslands on his gourney from Portugal, fixed a cross on the island and named one of these islands, O Padrao de Santa Maria, as a dedication to Mother Mary, before proceeding to Kozikode in Kerala.

Brief state programme was arranged over here in Island. Arun Kumar Project Director, Udupi Nirmithi Kendra, Sudesh Shetty Malpe Beach and St. Mary’s Island Incharge Authority, Mantra Tourism Development Company and Ganesh Malpe Boat owner were felicitated by the minister. The brochure was released during the occasion.

Meenakshi Madhav Bannanje Udupi CMC President, Sandhya Tilakraj Vice President Udupi CMC, Anitha B. Assistant Director, Tourism Department, Udupi, Municipal councilors Narayan Kundar, Vijay Kundar, Harmis Noronha, Ganesh Nergi, Chandrakanth Naik were present.

Munjunathiah Udupi CMC Commissioner compered the programme and gave keynote address.