Weekend sees huge rise in footfall at Mangaluru beaches

MANGALURU: Panambur and Tannirbavi, major weekend holiday destinations in the coastal city, have been seeing an increase in footfall ever since lockdown restrictions were lifted.
More than 20,000 people visited Panambur beach on Sunday, while Tannirbavi beach is also gradually getting back to its pre-pandemic glory, with people visiting in large numbers. However, authorities at both tourist destinations are yet to commence recreational activities like boating, jet skiing, horse riding and beach games.
Yathish Baikampady, CEO, Panambur Beach Development Project (PBDP), said people began visiting the beach soon after the central and state governments relaxed lockdown norms.
“Sunday’s footfall equals the average footfall we had during the same time last year,” Baikampady said. “We expect more people to visit, especially on weekends, since most people want to go out after being cooped up at home for such a long period during the lockdown. Beaches are safe outing places as it is possible for people to follow social distancing norms.”
On relaunching various recreations and beach activities, Baikampady said, “We have not commenced any activities yet. Beach tourism is picking up and we have to prepare to commence all beach activities.”
Meanwhile, K Padmanabha Panikkar, manager, Tannirbavi Beach, said tourists, especially those from coastal districts, have started visiting the beach after a gap of nearly five months.
“During the lockdown, we blocked entrances of two stretches of Tannirbavi beach to prevent crowds,” Panikkar said. “Recently, people, especially groups of families and friends, have started visiting. However, footfall is far lower than previous years. We have been developing infrastructure and preparing to commence all beach activities. We will begin all activities soon as the government issues guidelines.”
He went on to say, “We have displayed notices at the entrances warning people not to enter without face mask.”
Idya Beach near Surathkal that was developed by local youths by providing basic infrastructure during the lockdown, also has been witnessing an increase in visitors.