Mangalurean Sparsha Shetty bags Sharjah Award for Education Excellence 2017-18

Udupi: The Tourism Department is planning a major eco-friendly development initiative for Kamini Island, located near the Blue Flag-certified Padubidri End Point beach, aiming to attract more visitors while maintaining environmental sustainability.

Assistant Director Kumar CU emphasized that, given the island’s proximity to the Blue Flag beach, all development efforts will center around eco-friendly practices. “We are looking to enhance the Kamini River and the island’s surroundings by adding a hanging bridge, nature trails, and eco-friendly food courts offering traditional cuisine. Visitors will also be able to reach the island by pedal boats or kayaking,” he said.

The development project is estimated to cost between Rs 3 crore and Rs 4 crore. Meanwhile, the Blue Flag beach, Padubidri, continues to see a steady flow of visitors. Vijay Shetty, manager of the beach, shared that tenders for food courts and water sports have been awarded to private parties. Recently, three new coracles have been introduced, which are proving to be a hit with visitors. Additionally, three more shelters are expected to be ready by November 20.

Shetty mentioned that the beach can now accommodate between 2,500 and 3,000 visitors daily, although footfall remains lower than other district beaches due to user fees and activity restrictions. “Initially, most visitors were from Mangaluru, but now nearly 40% come from other districts, showing a shift in the visitor demographics,” Shetty noted.

To further boost tourism and promote a healthy lifestyle, a Beach Carnival is set to take place on November 23-24, featuring the National Sea Swimming Championship and a sea marathon in collaboration with the Padubidri JCI, which is celebrating its golden jubilee. Cultural events will be held at the main beach, with some sports events taking place at the Blue Flag beach. Emphasis will be placed on making all activities environmentally friendly.

In the wake of the tragic drowning of three students at a resort near Ullal on the outskirts of Mangaluru city, the tourism department in Dakshina Kannada is set to implement comprehensive safety guidelines for properties with swimming pools or beach access. This initiative aims to ensure guest safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.

New Safety Mandates for Resorts and Homestays

Rashmi S.R., deputy director (in-charge) of the tourism department, announced, “We will instruct all homestays and resorts to enforce precautionary measures, especially those with pools or direct beach access. Properties must ensure 24/7 supervision, particularly during guest hours. This tragedy highlights the importance of having trained personnel on-site.”

Key Safety Guidelines

The district, home to around 150 homestays and 130 resorts, will see the following measures enforced:

• Clearly displaying pool depths.
• Installing adequate safety equipment, such as life buoys.
• Employing trained lifeguards at all times.
• Establishing clear pool operating hours.
• Reviewing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for pool and beach usage.

Booming Beach Tourism Calls for Vigilance

Manohar Shetty, president of the Association for Coastal Tourism (ACT), Udupi, highlighted the growing popularity of beachside resorts, particularly during peak seasons. Properties in Udupi, often fully booked with tourists from Bengaluru, Mysuru, Kodagu, and Shivamogga, face increasing pressure to maintain safety standards.

Udupi district boasts 22 beachside commercial properties catering to this rising demand.

Shetty emphasized, “Authorities must scrutinize safety measures and carefully evaluate guidelines before issuing new resort licenses. Panchayats should rely on the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act when handling such cases.”

Long-Term Solutions for Water Safety

Recognizing the need for a cultural shift in water safety, Shetty proposed integrating swimming lessons into school curricula. This move would not only equip students with essential skills but also encourage safe participation in water-based activities.

A Safer Tomorrow for Coastal Tourism

As the tourism sector thrives, Mangaluru’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to visitor safety. The tragic incident serves as a wake-up call, propelling the industry towards stricter regulations and better preparedness, ensuring that coastal vacations remain both enjoyable and safe.

Riyadh: The Jam'iyyatul Falah (JF) Riyadh Unit held its Annual General Body Meeting at Loaloah Istirah in Riyadh on Thursday, October 3, 2024.

The gathering commenced with Master Ayman reciting verses from the Holy Quran, setting a solemn tone for the event. Br. Haneef Bardila warmly welcomed attendees, including JF Life Members, Office Bearers from various organizations, and guests, and extended his congratulations to all present.

During the meeting, Br. Muhammad Ashfaq, President, delivered the Annual Report, highlighting the unit's achievements, while Treasurer Br. Nazeer Ahmed presented the Annual Financial Report.

Br. Ashfaq updated members on the ongoing efforts of Jam'iyyatul Falah in the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts for the year 2023-2024. Expressing gratitude for the support of the members and the committee, he encouraged the youth to join JF, emphasizing the importance of continuing the mission initiated by their elders 36 years ago.

The primary guest, Br. Yasin Baig, inspired the audience with a message underscoring the significance of service. He encouraged everyone to heed the Prophet's (pbuh) words: “Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your illness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before you become busy, and your life before your death.” He also spoke about the responsibility and blessing of serving the community through Jam'iyyatul Falah, stressing the promise of rewards in both this life and the hereafter.

Following his address, Br. Ashfaq Ahmed (President) formally dissolved the current committee and entrusted Br. Abdul Hameed and Br. Fazlur Rehman with the election process. A new Executive Committee was then formed for the 2024-2025 term, with Br. Salman Noor elected as the President, Br. Abubaker Irfan as General Secretary, and Br. Nazeer Ahmed continuing as Treasurer. Additionally, 26 other members were appointed to the Executive Committee.

The evening concluded with a dinner for all participants, and Br. Haneef congratulated the newly formed JF Riyadh Executive Committee and all attendees for their contribution to the event's success.

Office Bearers Elected for the 2024-2025 Term

President: Salman Noor

Vice President: Fazlur Rehman

General Secretary: Abubaker Irfan Sheikh

Joint Secretary: Irshad Moideen

Treasurer: Nazeer Ahmed

Joint Treasurer: Akhil Ganjimutt

Auditor: Haneef Bardila

Advisors: Sheikh GK, Abdul Hameed Wenz, Abdul Basheer Beary

NRCC Representatives: Mohammed Ashfaq, Akthar Shaikh

NRCC Rep. at JFCC: Parvez Ali

Sports Coordinators: Shareef Ahmed, Ayaz Ahmed, Mohammed Mahir, Sameen Gurukambla, Mohammed Gazali, Javed Khan

Event Coordinators: Abdul Hameed Nazeer, Sharief Thokur, Sadhik Mohammed

Media Coordinator: Parveez Ahmed

Committee Members: Sadique Moideen, Sayed Sameer, Mohammed Khizer, Mohammed Sarfaraz, Fareed Mohammed, Suhail Ahmed