Udupi : A Rs. 9.13-crore project has been prepared for the development of Padubidri, Kaup, Malpe, Marvanthe, Trasi, Shiroor, Othinane and Someshwara beaches in Udupi district.

According to a press release issued by the Department of Information on Friday, Deputy Commissioner Muddu Mohan has decided to form a committee under the leadership of the chief executive officer of the zilla panchayat for the purpose. He was chairing a meeting here on Thursday.

The other members of the committee are the Udupi tahsildar, Executive Engineer of Public Works Department, Project Director of Nirmiti Kendra, Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) officer and president of the fisheries federation.

Master plans would be prepared for developing each of these beaches after consulting experts. The suggestions of the committee would be sought for smooth implementation of the project, Mr. Mohan said.

A meeting on this issue had been held in Bangalore by Tourism and Higher Education Minister R.V. Deshpande recently. The Union government had sanctioned Rs. 50 crore to the State for the development of beaches in the coastal districts. Priority would be given to maintaining cleanliness, and providing basic facilities such as drinking water, toilets, street lamps and dust bins. Better security arrangements would be provided at these places.

Mr. Mohan directed the Assistant Director of Tourism to install sign boards on the NH 66 giving indications on the locations of these beaches.