Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada unit of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has questioned the Karnataka government’s approach to tourism development in the coastal region while welcoming the decision to grant Tulu the status of a second additional official language in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
Addressing a press conference in Mangaluru on Thursday, AAP state vice-president Vivekananda Salins said the decision on Tulu should be followed by efforts by the Centre to include the language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Salins also questioned the tourism-related announcements made at the Karnataka Cabinet meeting held in Mangaluru on September 18, arguing that several of the projects involved works that were already pending rather than substantially new initiatives.
The Cabinet meeting approved a range of tourism projects across the coastal region, including the development of 12 islands under the PPP-DBFOT model, tourism and hospitality infrastructure near the Mangaluru Lighthouse, and projects at Kodikal and Tannirbhavi.
AAP questions tourism allocations
Salins said Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had made several promises regarding the transformation of tourism in Mangaluru, but claimed that the decisions announced at the Cabinet meeting did not adequately reflect those commitments.
AAP questioned the allocation of public funds and resources for large tourism projects, arguing that such investments may not generate sufficient employment opportunities for local youth.
The party cited the proposed Rs 60.34-crore tourism and hospitality project around the Mangaluru Lighthouse. The project, approved under the PPP-DBFOT model, includes a 35-room three-star or higher-category facility on 1.5 acres.
AAP also referred to the Rs 125.43-crore proposal for development of the northern and southern islands in the Gurupura river. The approved plan includes a 30-berth marina on the northern island and eco-huts on the southern island.
Other projects cited by the party included the Rs 73-crore Riverfront Wellness Resort at Kodikal and the Rs 53-crore eco-friendly beachfront glamping, ocean experience centre and expo zone at Tannirbhavi.
The Cabinet’s approvals confirm these allocations, with the Kodikal project planned over 16.5 acres and the Tannirbhavi project over nearly five acres.
Concerns over island development
AAP also raised environmental concerns over the proposed development of 12 islands across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada.
Salins warned that multi-storey structures and bridges in ecologically sensitive island areas could have an adverse impact on the environment.
The state Cabinet has approved the island projects under the PPP model on a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer basis, with a proposed 30-year lease period, subject to statutory approvals.
The Cabinet package includes projects in the Gurupura river in Dakshina Kannada, islands in Udupi district and seven islands in Uttara Kannada. The stated objective is to develop them as tourism destinations while incorporating eco-tourism elements.
AAP said environmental safeguards should remain a priority while planning tourism infrastructure in coastal and island areas.
Focus on coastal safety and local employment
The party called for greater attention to coastal safety, particularly in view of recurring incidents of tourist drownings.
AAP urged the government to appoint trained lifeguards at beaches and other tourist locations to improve safety arrangements.
It also called for greater support for employment-oriented tourism activities such as kayaking, scuba diving and surfing. According to the party, such activities could provide opportunities for local youth while allowing tourism development to be linked more closely with the coastal economy.
AAP further sought greater support for local cultural industries, particularly Tulu cinema and Yakshagana, as part of a broader tourism strategy rooted in the region’s culture.
Tulu recognition welcomed
While criticising aspects of the tourism package, AAP welcomed the Cabinet’s decision on Tulu.
The Karnataka Cabinet on September 18 approved recognition of Tulu as an additional official language in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. The decision was among the measures announced at the first-ever Cabinet meeting held in Mangaluru.
Salins said the move was welcome but argued that efforts should now be made at the Union government level to secure inclusion of Tulu in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
The Eighth Schedule currently lists 22 languages recognised for constitutional purposes. Inclusion of Tulu in the Schedule has been a longstanding demand from various organisations and language activists.
AAP offers dialogue with U.T. Khader
AAP said the government’s tourism strategy should be formulated after considering local requirements and the concerns of communities dependent on the coast and its natural resources.
The party expressed its willingness to hold an open dialogue with Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister U.T. Khader to discuss a tourism plan suited to the region.
Salins said the party’s concerns were aimed at ensuring that tourism investments generated employment, protected the coastal environment and supported local culture and livelihoods.
The Cabinet’s September 18 meeting had approved a broader package covering tourism, infrastructure, fisheries, healthcare, education, roads, water supply and other sectors across coastal Karnataka.