Minister Hebbalkar Calls for Action on Rain Relief, Tourism Boost, and NREGA Funds in Udupi

Udupi: Women and Child Development Minister and District In-charge, Lakshmi Hebbalkar, urged government officers to step up on-ground activities in light of the excess rainfall affecting the region. She was speaking during the quarterly KDP meeting held Friday at the Dr. V.S. Acharya Auditorium of Udupi Zilla Panchayat.

To address coastal erosion, Hebbalkar announced the release of ₹4.5 crore and asked for fast-tracked implementation of mitigation works, especially from Hejmadi to Shirur. She also instructed the port department to improve security and sanitation at Malpe Port, including CCTV installations.

Stressing Udupi’s potential as a tourism hub, she called for regulated homestays, a ban on child labor in tourist spots, and PPP models to enhance tourism and sports infrastructure. She highlighted the district’s natural charm, religious heritage, and scientific relevance as key selling points.

In agriculture, Hebbalkar issued a strong warning against firms supplying inferior seeds, vowing blacklisting and legal action. She emphasized the need for better agriculture equipment availability and urged the horticulture department to promote fruit cultivation and spread awareness of government schemes.

On housing for fisherfolk, she flagged the sanctioning of only 25 homes as inadequate and promised to escalate the matter. Delayed Varahi irrigation compensation also drew her ire—she demanded resolution by the next meeting.

Minister Hebbalkar challenged the BJP to explain the five-month delay in NREGA wage payments, contrasting it with their criticism of the Gruhalakshmi scheme’s brief delay.

The meeting was attended by local MLAs, council members, and top district officials across departments.