Despite the Centre allocating nearly ₹100 crore under its Swadesh Darshan scheme to enhance tourism infrastructure in Karnataka, the state government is struggling to launch projects due to regulatory and political obstacles.
Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed the Lok Sabha that Udupi and Bidar projects under the Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) scheme had in-principle approval but no final sanction, as the state must secure additional clearances.
Tourism Director KV Rajendra said plans include a 12-km cycle track along the Udupi coast and an experience centre within Bidar Fort. However, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF) has sought a 1:4000-scale Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) map for Udupi, while the National Monument Authority (NMA) under the Archaeological Survey of India has raised objections to new structures inside Bidar Fort. The National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management is now preparing the CRZ map, with negotiations ongoing to address both agencies’ concerns.
Meanwhile, two flagship Mysuru projects under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 — a ₹2.7 crore “tonga ride heritage zone” and an “ecological experience zone” — remain stalled for political reasons. Sources say both await Chief Minister’s approval and ceremonial foundation laying in his home district.
The heritage tonga ride would revive royal-era charm with five carriage stations ferrying visitors around Mysuru Palace, while the ecological zone aims to enhance the Mysuru zoo experience with themed installations and green trails.