Udupi: The tourism department is confident of commencing work on the proposed jetty at St Mary’s Island by January, and completing it in the next three months. In this regard, an institute of national repute is conducting an Environment Impact Assessment study.
Confirming the development, Chandrashekar Naik, assistant director, tourism department, told TOI that the jetty works will be taken up at a cost of Rs 4.2 crore. Last year the island recorded a footfall of around 25,000 people per month, he said.
At present, the big boats that ferry tourists to St Mary’s Island from Malpe are made to board smaller boats 150m away from the island. The island is a geological treasure trove, as well as a hub of biodiversity and ecology.
Meanwhile, the district administration has also submitted a proposal to the Union government under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management plan for development. This includes restoration of coconut plantations, solid waste management and provision of drinking water at the island.
Before the lockdown, the administration had planned to develop St Mary’s Island, a geological marvel, and an upcoming adventure sports destination. In this regard, a team from Slack Mitra in association with Malpe Beach Development Committee, rigged Udupi’s first slackline. As a pilot project, a workshop was held in March, and the district administration promised to conduct more events frequently.
“The maintenance of the island is planned through private participation, and fresh tenders have been floated. More activities, including the launch of a variety of sports activities, aero sports, dolphin sighting and angling are being planned. Several trails such as basalt rock trails, flora and fauna trails and island cycling trails have been discussed, and will hopefully be implemented by next year. Attempts will be made to reposition the island as an eco-tourism hotspot, and hence the focus will be on eco-tourism and geo-tourism for the responsible traveller, and all activities planned will focus on sustainable development goals,” Naik said.