As the southwest monsoon lashes Karnataka’s coastline, Udupi’s Maravanthe and Malpe beaches have turned hazardous. The district administration and tourism department have ramped up strict safety protocols—including red flags, bilingual warning boards, danger-zone ribbons, and tourist guides—to protect beachgoers from rough seas.
At Trasi-Maravanthe, heavy rains and turbulent waves prompted urgent safety alerts. Despite this, tourists are venturing into the sea and even risking their lives for selfies on slick rocks. “It’s an open invitation to disaster,” warned Chandrashekhar Nayak, Assistant Director of Tourism.
Maravanthe’s deep waters pose particular monsoon risks. Officials are pushing for more “tourist friends”—trained safety volunteers—and are weighing safety trap installations like those at Malpe Beach. Although 23 protective walls have been set up, ensuring public adherence remains a major hurdle.
Meanwhile, Malpe Beach has enforced a three-month water-entry ban. A 1-km long, 10-foot-high fishnet barricade, placed 20 feet offshore, now blocks access to the sea. It’s flagged in red and backed by multilingual signage to alert visitors. The beach is currently manned by five lifeguards, two tourist friends, and three coastal police personnel, with further resources on standby.
Despite these measures, some tourists persist in ignoring warnings. “They’re risking their lives needlessly,” said Manoj, a safety volunteer. Authorities urge the public to cooperate fully, stressing that safety efforts will only work if tourists respect the monsoon’s power.
Read also: