Mangaluru: The Karnataka Government is set to prepare a comprehensive master plan for the 339.90-acre Pilikula Nisargadhama in Mangaluru, with the tender process for selecting an agency expected to begin shortly.

Science and Technology Minister Ajay Dharma Singh said the master plan should provide a long-term roadmap for the development of Pilikula, covering a period of 10 to 15 years. The plan is expected to focus on science education, environmental conservation, biodiversity, tourism and visitor facilities.

The minister made the announcement during a departmental review meeting in Bengaluru attended by senior officials, scientists and heads of institutions associated with the department.

Master plan to cover entire Pilikula campus

According to the Minister’s Office, the proposed master plan will examine the optimum use of the 339.90 acres available at Pilikula Nisargadhama.

Officials have been asked to look at the existing facilities and identify areas where they can be upgraded, while also examining the scope for new attractions and visitor amenities.

The proposed development is expected to bring the different components of Pilikula together under a broader long-term vision instead of allowing individual facilities to develop separately.

Singh said Pilikula already has natural resources, land and infrastructure that provide a foundation for developing it as an integrated destination covering science, environment, education and tourism.

The master plan will therefore examine how these existing assets can be used more effectively while retaining the character of the destination.

Focus on science, environment and tourism

Pilikula Nisargadhama is being considered for development as an integrated centre where science education and environmental awareness can coexist with tourism and recreational activities.

The proposed master plan is expected to include new science experiences and visitor attractions, along with improvements to existing facilities.

The government also wants the plan to examine ways of attracting visitors from different parts of India and abroad.

The emphasis on science education could provide opportunities for students and young visitors to engage with scientific concepts through interactive experiences rather than conventional classroom-based learning.

At the same time, the environmental and biodiversity components are expected to remain important because of Pilikula’s existing natural setting.

Government examines public-private partnership model

The master plan will also study the possibility of developing selected facilities through the public-private partnership (PPP) model.

Officials have been asked to identify components that could be operated on a commercially sustainable basis without compromising the nature and identity of Pilikula.

The government wants the destination to gradually move towards greater financial sustainability, according to the minister’s statement.

This could involve identifying facilities capable of generating revenue while continuing to support the broader objectives of science education, environmental conservation and tourism.

However, the government has not yet announced specific projects that will be developed under the PPP model.

The proposed master plan is expected to determine which components would be suitable for such an approach.

Long-term development vision

The 10–15-year timeframe proposed for the master plan is intended to provide a long-term framework rather than a series of isolated development projects.

The plan is expected to consider infrastructure requirements, visitor facilities, new attractions, environmental protection and financial sustainability together.

Such a framework could also help determine how existing facilities should be upgraded and how new projects can be integrated with them.

The minister has stressed that development should not take place in a fragmented manner.

Instead, the master plan is expected to provide a common direction for future investments and projects at Pilikula.

Science Gallery proposed for Kalyana Karnataka

The departmental review meeting also discussed science education initiatives beyond Mangaluru.

Singh asked officials to examine the feasibility of establishing a Science Gallery in the Kalyana Karnataka region.

The proposed facility would aim to make science more experiential and engaging for students and members of the public.

The minister referred to Science Gallery Bengaluru, which is part of the global Science Gallery Network and combines science, art and public engagement.

Officials have been asked to explore whether a similar model could be developed for students and young people in Kalyana Karnataka.

No specific location, investment or timeline has been announced for the proposed Science Gallery.

Science centres and planetariums to be linked

Another proposal discussed at the meeting was to strengthen links between science centres and planetariums operated by the department across Karnataka.

The government wants these institutions to function as a connected network rather than operate independently.

Under the proposed approach, exhibitions, educational content and science experiences could potentially be shared between different centres.

This could allow students in different parts of Karnataka to access new exhibitions and educational programmes without depending entirely on facilities in their own districts.

The proposal is also aimed at improving the reach of science education across the State.

Pilikula could get new visitor attractions

The proposed master plan is expected to identify new attractions that could increase visitor interest in Pilikula while supporting its science and environmental objectives.

Officials will also examine facilities that can generate sustainable revenue.

The government has indicated that any commercial development should be balanced with the need to preserve Pilikula’s distinctive character.

The focus will therefore be on identifying projects that can support visitor growth without undermining the environmental and educational role of the destination.

Tender process expected shortly

The tender process for preparing the comprehensive master plan is expected to begin shortly.

Once an agency is selected, the detailed planning exercise is expected to examine the existing infrastructure, land use, facilities and development potential of the 339.90-acre site.

The resulting plan is expected to provide a framework for future development over the next decade or more.

At this stage, the government has not announced the estimated cost of preparing or implementing the master plan, nor has it specified a final timeline for completion of the proposed projects.

Conclusion

The Karnataka Government is preparing a 10–15-year master plan for the 339.90-acre Pilikula Nisargadhama in Mangaluru, with the tender process expected to begin shortly.

The proposed plan will examine upgrades to existing facilities, new science and tourism attractions, environmental conservation, visitor amenities and commercially sustainable projects. The government is also considering PPP-based development for selected components.

Alongside the Pilikula proposal, the Science and Technology Department is examining a Science Gallery for Kalyana Karnataka and stronger links between science centres and planetariums across Karnataka.