Free WiFi for visitors to Malpe beach from January 15

UDUPI: A visit to the famed Malpe beach off this temple town of Udupi from January 15 will give tourists access to free WiFi. This freebie comes courtesy an initiative of the department of tourism, which in association with BSNL has made arrangements for this roll out. The rider is that a user can access WiFi on a particular number for one hour. The department will pay BSNL Rs 1 lakh for every three months for this service, noted R Vishal, deputy commissioner. Chairing a meeting of district tourism and Malpe Beach Development Committee, Vishal said even Reliance too has had evinced interest to offer this WiFi facility. "I have not got anything in writing from Reliance thus far, and the committee will take a call on their offer as and when we get it," Vishal told TOI, adding the committee has already firmed up arrangement with BSNL and cheque paid to them. The WiFi service could offer speeds up to 4 mbps, he noted. The committee has also initiated various developmental activities for the benefit of tourists, Vishal said adding the accent is on cleanliness and security of people coming there. Process of maintaining district tourism website has been outsourced by way of e-tender and allocated to Omega Solutions, he said. Steps have been taken to improve basic amenities and roads leading to Padubidri, Trasi, Maravanthe, Kaup, Ottinene beaches to KRIDL at a cost of Rs 9.13 crore. A saving of Rs 33 lakh from the construction of boat jetty near Malpe will be utilized for installing high mast lamp, interlock, setting up ticket counter and gazebo type sun shelters for visitors, he said directing Nirmithi Kendra to execute the works. Process of selecting beneficiaries for handing over tourist taxis has been completed and 33 candidates have been selected, he said, directing authorities concerned to ensure taxis are used for the purpose they have been provided. Vishal directed forest department officials to direct wildlife wardens to provide secure facility for tourists visiting Kudlu Thirtha after obtaining entry fee. Taking note of illegal petty shops in the parking area of Malpe beach, Vishal directed Manjunathaiah, commissioner, Udupi city municipal council to address the issue and also ensure cleanliness there. He also directed district police to interact with coastal security police and ensure strict security at St Mary's Island. -TOI