Mangaluru :  The “Swachhatha Pakhwada-2020” programme organised at Tannirbavi beach on behalf of the District Administration, Tourism Department and Mangaluru City Corporation on Sunday the occasion of World Tourism Day.

Speaking at the World Tourism Day celebration, Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner K.V. Rajendra said here on Sunday that 27 tourism infrastructure development projects estimated at ₹ 17.34 crore have been given approval to be taken up in the district for the current financial year. Of this, ₹ 9.10 crore has been released for completing some projects.

The Deputy Commissioner said that the fund has been released for building walking tracks and toilets at Tannirbavi, Sasihitlu, Surathkal and other beaches and for life-saving school activities on Tannirbavi beach. The approved projects included developing approach roads to beaches on the 36-km coastline in the district and other beach development works.

The Deputy Commissioner said that these beaches would be developed without violating the Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) guidelines. They will have eco-friendly structures.

Dr. Rajendra said that the government has sanctioned ₹ 4.83 crore for the integrated development of Snana Ghatta (bathing place) on the banks of the Netravathi near Dharmasthala. Works related to this will be taken up with due procedure.

He said that approvals have been given for six persons to begin water sports activities on the banks of the Netravathi and the Phalguni (also called Gurupura). The Tourism Department has deployed six Pravasi Mitras to guide tourists on the beaches.

MCC Commissioner Akshy Sridhar, Tourism Department Director Somashekhar, KCCI President Isac Vas, Yojaka India Private Ltd Managing Director Jagadish Bolur and others were present.

Pic’s :Eswarraj