Panaji-Goa/Mangalore: the present day Goan beaches are deteriorating in their tourist quality due to decadence and neglect after the hippies visited them in the last decade or two. But Karnataka’s beaches are well preserved, whether in Karwar, Murdeshwar, Gunavanthe and Panambur.
Presently 300 kms. South of Goa’s beach of Agonda in Canacona, Karnataka is recreating a “Goa Beach” of old times in a sun-sand adaptation of a safe shore, sanitized and well organised as compared to sex and crime-ridden Goan spoilt beaches.
The Panambur (Thannirbavi) Beach Tourism Development Project will transform beach tourism in the state that has neglected its coastal belt for 5 to 6 decades now. The state is well known for its rich heritage, colourful history, plenty of ports and rivers, sandalwood products and marble mines.
Safety and security of tourists is given top priority, here, unlike in Goa where crime thrives.
Well trained life guards from Surf Life Australia keep strict vigilance over anti-social elements to ensure freedom for tourists to roam about or rest, Yatish Baikampady, CEO of the beach project assured newsmen, on Wednesday here.
Total beach management is the key to all such tourism and its success. It includes upkeep and maintenance of beach from offenders and vendors. Sanitation has top billing here, as in Murdeshwar, he pointed out.
Tourists are not allowed betel leaf chewing, to keep the place clean from spitting red.
Goa still has one or two beaches above board as near Governor’s residence and Taj Hotel. It has a brand image. Karnataka beaches have mostly remained under neglect, as in Ullal (Someshwar) and Bhatkal.
Mangalore has cosmopolitan and educated crowds, and local beaches are known for events like kite and cultural festivals, even magic shows. This culture will be protected, Yatish says with a certainty. People in Karnataka now should rush, not to Goa for holidays, but to Panambur beach and the like.