Legislators demand budget allocation for coastal development

Mangaluru: People's representatives from coastal districts urged that necessary funds for various development projects in three districts be allocated in the upcoming budget.During the Karnataka Coastal Development Board (KCDB) meeting held on Thursday at the deputy commissioner's office under the chairmanship of assembly speaker UT Khader, legislators from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada districts participated. They emphasised the need to comprehensively consider coastal development and implement development projects.
Khader said that constructing high-quality roads at elevated levels in the coastal belt could help control sea erosion and improve traffic systems. This will also benefit the development of the local tourism sector. Additional funding is needed for the Paschima Vahini Scheme. The construction of a jetty at Kotepura in Ullal will reduce pressure on the Mangaluru port, he said.Minister of fisheries, ports and inland water transport, Mankal S Vaidya, said that a decision was made to dredge 13 fishing ports in the three coastal districts at a cost of Rs 70 crore. He also suggested the construction of fish markets in various locations.Moodubidire MLA Umanath Kotian suggested implementing a water metro project to promote tourism, and allocating funds for the development of major tourist destinations.Kundapur MLA Kiran Kodgi proposed relocating the coastal regulation zone (CRZ) office from Bengaluru to Mangaluru or Udupi, to avoid long waiting times for various CRZ-related approvals.Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna noted that the separate functioning of the fisheries and ports departments is hindering the development of fishing ports. A uniform fisheries policy should be implemented along the western coast of the country, as different policies in each state, including fishing holidays, are causing difficulties for Karnataka's fishermen, the MLA said.MLC Dhananjay Sarji emphasised the need for a high-level govt hospital in the coastal region for cancer and heart disease treatment, which would provide advanced treatment to the public at reasonable rates.Sullia MLA Bhagirathi Murulya called for a special package for arecanut growers to be announced in the next budget. Despite the formation of Kadaba taluk several years ago, many departments have not yet begun functioning, forcing the public to travel to Puttur for records, she noted.Mangaluru City North MLA Y Bharat Shetty pointed out that the lack of dredging at the confluence of city canals and rivers is causing flooding during the rainy season.KCDB chairman MA Gafoor said that proposals would be sent to implement major development projects in the coastal region. "The points discussed in today's meeting will be included in the board's action plan, and a request for funding will be made," he added.Deputy commissioner Darshan HV, board's secretary Pradeep D'Souza, among others, were present at the meeting.