Kaup: Deputy Chief Minister Dr G Parameshwara on Friday inspected Mangalore University’s Postgraduate Studies and Advanced Research Centre at Belapu in Kaup taluk and said the government is examining various options to put the unused facility to productive use.
The sprawling campus, developed at a cost of around ₹53.85 crore, has remained unused for the past few years. During the inspection, Parameshwara said the government was keen to find an appropriate purpose for the infrastructure and prevent the facility from deteriorating.
The inspection comes at a time when the state government is considering several proposals concerning higher education, sports infrastructure, healthcare and tourism in the coastal region.
Government exploring options for Belapu campus
The Belapu facility was originally proposed as a Science Centre under the Union Government’s Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) scheme following an announcement in the 2014-15 State Budget.
After the project received the required approvals, infrastructure worth around ₹50 crore to ₹60 crore was created at the site. The project, however, could not progress as originally planned after the RUSA programme was discontinued.
With funding from Mangalore University also not forthcoming, the Science Centre remained incomplete and the substantial infrastructure at the campus was left unused.
Parameshwara said a proposal has now been made to revive the project. The matter has also been brought to the attention of the Higher Education Minister, he said.
The government is considering multiple possibilities for the campus rather than allowing the infrastructure to remain unused.
Belapu campus may be considered for Sports University
One of the options being examined is the possible establishment of a Sports University in Karnataka.
Parameshwara said the state government was exploring the possibility of establishing such a university and that his inspection of the Belapu campus was partly aimed at assessing its suitability for the purpose.
The large campus and existing infrastructure could potentially provide a base for academic and sports-related activities if the proposal is found feasible.
However, no final decision has been announced on the use of the Belapu facility. Parameshwara said the government would first gather details about the various possibilities before taking the matter forward.
The proposal also comes alongside plans to strengthen sports infrastructure in the coastal region.
Possibility of government medical college examined
The Deputy Chief Minister also said the government was examining whether the facility could have a role in addressing the need for medical education infrastructure in Udupi district.
“Udupi district does not have a government medical college. I have also come to examine whether there is a possibility of establishing one here,” he said.
He said the government would assess the various options and gather the necessary details before discussing the matter with the Chief Minister.
A decision would subsequently be taken based on the feasibility of the proposals, he added.
The inspection therefore covered multiple possibilities for the campus, including revival of the original Science Centre proposal, a possible Sports University and the potential for medical education infrastructure.
Coastal development and tourism in focus
Speaking about the Cabinet meeting scheduled in the coastal region, Parameshwara said addressing pressing issues concerning the coastal belt would be among the government’s key objectives.
He said several issues that had already been brought to the government’s attention had been addressed, while other concerns would be discussed during the Cabinet meeting.
Parameshwara emphasised the need to make more effective use of Karnataka’s coastline for tourism and economic activity.
“Karnataka should utilise its coastline more effectively, as Kerala and Goa have done,” he said.
He pointed to the growing popularity of surfing in Udupi and said international-level surfing events being held in the district could contribute to coastal tourism.
According to the Deputy Chief Minister, encouraging such activities and developing coastal tourism could create employment opportunities and boost economic activity in the region.
The Tourism Policy is also expected to come up for discussion at the Cabinet meeting.
Government looks at soft industries
Parameshwara also spoke about the prospects for industrial development along the coast.
He said attracting very large industries to the coastal belt could be difficult, but the government would explore opportunities for bringing soft industries to the region.
The approach could help diversify the coastal economy while taking into account the region’s existing characteristics and development requirements.
The government’s focus on tourism, sports and industries forms part of a broader discussion on how the coastal districts can generate employment and economic activity.
Udupi, Mangala Stadium development to be discussed
Sports infrastructure in the coastal region is another issue expected to receive attention during the Cabinet meeting.
Parameshwara said necessary decisions would be taken regarding the development of Udupi Stadium, Mangala Stadium in Mangaluru and other sports facilities.
The proposed measures are aimed at strengthening sporting infrastructure in the region and supporting activities ranging from local sports to larger events.
The Deputy Chief Minister also stressed that decisions taken by the Cabinet represent decisions of the entire government and would be implemented through the appropriate departments.
“A Cabinet decision is a decision of the entire Government,” he said, adding that government decisions would be carried out.
Kasturirangan Report, drought to be discussed
Parameshwara also spoke about the special legislative session scheduled for September 21, 22 and 23.
He said the Kasturirangan Report would be discussed first during the special session.
The severe drought situation in Karnataka and measures to support farmers would also be taken up.
The government would discuss the response required to assist farmers and the nature of support that should be provided, Parameshwara said.
He said the special session had been convened keeping the interests of farmers in mind.
The Kasturirangan Report has been a longstanding issue in Karnataka, particularly because of its implications for the Western Ghats and communities living in the ecologically sensitive areas.
Several officials present
MLC Manjunath Bhandary, Kaup MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty, former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, principal secretary of the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports Naveen Raj Singh, Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa T K and Mangalore University Registrar Santosh B Jagalasar were among those present during the inspection.
Karnataka Housing Board engineer Sahana, former Belapu panchayat president Deviprasad Shetty, contractor Vasudev Shetty and others also attended.
The inspection brought the future of the ₹53.85-crore Belapu campus back into focus, with the government now examining whether the existing infrastructure can be revived for education, sports, healthcare or another productive public purpose.
Conclusion
The inspection of Mangalore University’s unused Belapu campus has opened up several possibilities for the substantial infrastructure created at the site. The government is examining its potential for a revived Science Centre, a possible Sports University or medical education infrastructure, while a final decision is expected after assessing the available options and discussing them with the Chief Minister.