Karnataka eyes tourism boost in Coastal, Malnad belt amid challenges; to draft policy by Sept 7
Bengaluru, Aug 21 (IANS) The Karnataka government is preparing a comprehensive tourism policy for the Coastal and Malnad regions, with the draft expected to be ready by September 7, Energy and Tourism Minister K.J. George said on Friday.
The announcement comes at a time when parts of coastal Karnataka continue to be regarded as communally sensitive areas, with the region having witnessed instances of tensions and politically and communally-linked revenge killings in the past.
The government is seeking to promote tourism and economic activity in the region while addressing the challenges that have affected development.
The proposed Coastal–Malnad Tourism Policy seeks to tap the tourism potential of the two regions, which are known for their beaches, religious and cultural destinations, forests and nature-based attractions. The policy is also expected to address regulatory hurdles and create a more conducive environment for tourism investments and employment.
George held a consultation meeting with elected representatives from the Coastal and Malnad regions at Vidhana Soudha on Friday. The meeting focussed on the tourism potential of the regions, investment opportunities and difficulties faced by tourism projects in obtaining approvals from various departments.
Elected representatives called for simplifying the approval process for tourism projects. MLA V. Sunil Kumar proposed a single-window system to facilitate tourism investments in the coastal region.
He said a streamlined mechanism for inter-departmental approvals and coordination would help attract investments and accelerate tourism development.
Mangaluru District In-charge Minister, U.T. Khader, said the coastal region has immense tourism potential but several projects face difficulties due to regulations relating to the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), eco-sensitive areas and the Forest Department.
He suggested reviewing the regulatory and approval mechanisms while ensuring that environmental safeguards are maintained.
Udupi District In-charge Minister Rizwan Arshad highlighted the need to create a conducive environment for hotels and other tourism activities in the district. He suggested that the proposed policy consider provisions relating to operating hours and other requirements based on tourist demand and the nature of tourism activities.
The meeting was attended by Tourism Department Secretary Dr. Ram Prasath Manohar, Captain Brijesh Chota, Kote Srinivas Poojary, V. Sunil Kumar, Manjunath Bhandary, Ivan D’Souza, Harish Poonja, Umanath A. Kotyan, Bharath Shetty Y., D. Vedavyasa Kamath, Rajesh Naik U., Bhagirathi Murulya, Ashok Kumar Rai, Gururaj Shetty Gantihole, A. Kiran Kumar Kodgi, Yashpal Suvarna and Gurme Suresh Shetty, among others.
George said the suggestions received from elected representatives would be examined and incorporated into the draft policy.
“The Coastal and Malnad regions are among Karnataka’s key tourism assets. To fully realise their tourism potential, we need a comprehensive policy that takes into account local requirements and the suggestions of elected representatives. Several important suggestions were received during today’s meeting, and these will be examined for incorporation into the policy. We aim to have the draft policy ready by September 7,” he said.
The Minister said further consultations would be held before the policy is finalised. He also said a Cabinet meeting is expected to be held in Mangaluru shortly to examine the proposed policy and take further decisions.
The government hopes that improved infrastructure, simplified approvals and greater investment will help strengthen tourism in the Coastal and Malnad regions, while addressing the regulatory and local challenges that have historically affected development in parts of these areas.
–IANS
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