BANGALURU: A total of 109 homestays and 21 resorts were shut down in Udupi district after they were found to be operating illegally during surprise inspections conducted to check unauthorised tourism establishments and the discharge of effluents and sewage into the sea.
The inspections were carried out following a suo motu proceeding initiated by Upa Lokayukta Justice B Veerappa.
The case was presented before Veerappa through a joint statement by the Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Director of Tourism, Executive Engineer of MESCOM, Deputy Superintendent of Police and Executive Officer of Udupi Taluk Panchayat.
After recording the statement, the Upa Lokayukta directed the officials to comply with the guidelines issued by the state government on April 29, 2026, and the circular dated April 27, 2026, regarding upgraded protocols for the operation, safety and security of homestays and Bed and Breakfast establishments.
Officials also stated that 227 homestays and 42 resorts had obtained licences from the competent authorities to operate.
While registering the suo motu complaints, Veerappa also expressed concern over the discharge of improperly treated sewage from the City Municipal Council and untreated sewage into the ocean.
The Upa Lokayukta directed the officials to constitute a committee headed by the Assistant Commissioner to look into sewage treatment plants (STPs) across the district. He said this was affecting aquatic animals and polluting groundwater and the surrounding environment.
Veerappa also expressed displeasure over the improper treatment of sewage water in Udupi town and the failure to dispose of waste at the sewage treatment plant at Nitturu. The biochemical oxygen demand was found to be more than 10 points above the prescribed level.
The improperly treated water from the unit enters drains connecting the Indrani River. The river joins the ocean at Kalmadi Bridge and Baapu Thota, near Malpe.
The further hearing has been adjourned to September 29.