Manipal : Deputy Commissioner Dr Vishal R said visitors at Malpe beach would be facilitated with one hour Wi-Fi free of cost from January 15.

Speaking at a meeting of the Malpe Development Committee convened here on Tuesday, he said the Tourism Department has approached the BSNL to offer the facility and paid it Rs 1 lakh for three months to provide the service.

He said Reliance Company has also come forward to offer the facility. The Tourism Department has initiated several development projects at Malpe beach to enhance the quality of service offered to the visitors. Priority is being given to cleanliness and hygiene. E-tender has been invited and the responsibility of maintaining the Tourism Department website is handed over to Omega Solutions, he added.

Dr Vishal said works worth Rs 9.13 crore have been taken up at Padubidri, Trasi, Maravanthe, Otthinenne and Kaup beaches to offer basic infrastructural facilities, the DC said.

Road laying and other basic facility works have entrusted to Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL). He also asked the details from the officials over the progress of work in these areas.

The amount that was left after constructing jetty at Malpe Beach would be spent on introducing hi-mask lights, interlock and ticket counter.

The visitors will also be offered shade in the form of Gajebo. He directed the Nirmithi director to take measures in this regard immediately. The DC also directed the Forest Department officials to arrange for the safety measures at Kudlutheertha.

He added that the entry fee should be collected from visitors and the wild life officials should introduce the safety measures in the area.

Dr Vishal said 33 candidates have been selected to offer taxis services and also directed the officials to ensure that the taxis, offered by the government, are utilised only as taxis and not for any other purpose.

The DC also instructed City Municipal Council commissioner to vacate the illegal dwellings and petty shops operating in the parking zone at Malpe. He also told the officials to cancel the licences by issuing notices, if the cleanliness is not maintained in the area.

He directed the police officials to discuss safety issues at St Mary’s Island with Costal Security Police.