Mangaluru: NRI entrepreneur Ronald Colaco has proposed the formation of a high-level Karnataka Coastal Tourism and Commercial Development Task Force to prepare a long-term development strategy for Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts.
In a proposal submitted to Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, Tourism Minister K J George and other Cabinet members on Friday, Colaco suggested setting up a 12- to 15-member expert panel comprising specialists from tourism, infrastructure, industry, environment, logistics and related sectors.
The proposed task force would prepare an integrated 20- to 25-year master plan for coastal tourism and commercial development, with the objective of creating a coordinated framework for infrastructure, investment and sustainable economic growth along Karnataka’s coastline.
Focus on coastal tourism infrastructure
According to the proposal, the master plan would identify suitable zones for a wide range of tourism and commercial activities. These would include beach tourism, resorts, convention centres, wellness and medical tourism, marinas, water sports, logistics, fisheries infrastructure, cultural tourism and eco-tourism.
The plan would also assess the potential for developing waterfront promenades, tourism villages, recreational boating facilities, cruise infrastructure and dedicated coastal entertainment districts.
Colaco’s proposal seeks to bring together the tourism and commercial potential of the three coastal districts under a common long-term strategy instead of treating individual projects in isolation.
The proposal comes at a time when coastal Karnataka is seeking greater investment in tourism, infrastructure and commercial activity. Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada have considerable coastline and diverse natural, cultural and economic assets that could support multiple tourism segments.
A coordinated master plan could help identify suitable locations for different types of development while taking into account infrastructure requirements and environmental considerations.
KCCI seeks faster industrial development in Dakshina Kannada
Meanwhile, the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has submitted a memorandum to Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar seeking urgent measures to address infrastructure and industrial development issues in Dakshina Kannada.
KCCI President P B Ahmed Mudassar urged the government to accelerate the acquisition of 1,050 acres at Balkunje for the development of MSMEs.
The chamber has also sought the repossession of 400 acres of unused JESCO land and 50 acres of KISCO land and their utilisation for MSME-related activities.
KCCI said making additional land available for industrial development would help create opportunities for new enterprises and support the expansion of existing businesses in the district.
Underground drainage sought at Baikampady
For the Baikampady Industrial Area, KCCI has called for priority to be given to the construction of an underground drainage system along with the proposed ₹50-crore water treatment plant.
The chamber also sought underground power cabling in the industrial area and urgent repairs to damaged industrial roads, including the ODC Road.
Improved drainage, reliable power infrastructure and better road connectivity are considered important for the functioning of industrial units, particularly during the monsoon. KCCI’s demands focus on addressing these basic infrastructure gaps while strengthening the industrial ecosystem in the region.
Push for logistics and exhibition infrastructure
The chamber has further proposed the establishment of an Integrated Multi-Modal Logistics Park and a Mangaluru International Exhibition Centre.
KCCI has highlighted Mangaluru’s strategic advantages, including its port, airport and connectivity, as key factors that could help attract greater trade, investment and industrial activity to the region.
An integrated logistics facility could help connect different modes of transport and improve the movement of goods, while an international exhibition centre could provide a platform for businesses, industries, investors and trade organisations to conduct exhibitions, buyer-seller meets and commercial events.
The proposals from Colaco and KCCI come with a broader emphasis on strengthening the coastal region’s tourism and economic infrastructure. While the proposed tourism task force would focus on preparing a long-term development roadmap for all three coastal districts, KCCI’s memorandum places emphasis on immediate infrastructure and industrial requirements in Dakshina Kannada.
Together, the proposals underline the need for coordinated planning, improved infrastructure and greater private and public investment to unlock the economic potential of coastal Karnataka.