The proposed marina project at Padukere in Udupi ran into rough weather with locals and fishermen from in and around Padukere-Malpe area opposing the same. Making this clear during their interaction with K Raghupathi Bhat, Udupi MLA on Tuesday, the locals staunchly registered their protest and efforts made by Bhat to convince them about the boost that the project would give to local tourism went in vain.
The locals protested despite a categorical assertion by the MLA that the marina project is still at the proposal stage and that no decision has been taken. Bhat said any decision will be taken only after the Pune based Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) will study its feasibility aspects first and people need not fear about its implementation right now. “We will not push a project if it harms the local environment,” Bhat said.
Attempting to put a stop to misconception among the locals regarding the marina project, the MLA said no luxury hotels will be built nor any clubs and pubs opened near the shore as per the rumours doing rounds. The marina may give a booster dose to the tourism and local economy with the arrival of foreign yachts, he said. “There will be no threat to local culture and fisheries activities as well from the marina project,” the MLA said.
Rama Kanchan, senior fishermen leader however was adamant noting that the administrators were least bothered about the locals once the project came up. “They will deny locals entry to the shore. We could agree if the beach is developed for tourism, but there locals will not allow the marina project to come up,” he said. The MLA said he will convey their decision to the deputy commissioner who heads the district tourism committee.