Udupi: Karnataka Marine Biotechnology Policy Approved to Harness Coastal Wealth - Rizwan Arshad

Udupi: Karnataka Marine Biotechnology Policy Approved to Harness Coastal Wealth - Rizwan Arshad

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Nov 1, 2026: The Karnataka government has approved the Karnataka Marine Biotechnology Policy to harness the state’s vast marine resources and promote the blue economy, said Udupi district in-charge Minister Rizwan Arshad.

Speaking at the district-level Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations in Udupi on Sunday, November 1, 2026, after hoisting the National Flag and receiving the guard of honour, he said the policy would pave the way for new opportunities in marine research, education and economic development.

Under the policy, the Karnataka Institute of Marine Technology and Blue Economy will be established at the Government Fisheries College in Mangaluru. The college’s intake capacity will also be increased from 60 to 200 seats, he said.

Expressing the government’s commitment to developing Udupi, Arshad said efforts were underway to expand tourism opportunities in the coastal and Malnad regions.

A resort, amusement parks and sports facilities will be developed on 7.07 acres at Trasi and Maravanthe beaches at an estimated cost of ₹48 crore, he announced.

Highlighting Udupi’s cultural significance, he said the district, while being an important centre of Tulu culture, had also made immense contributions to Kannada heritage. He expressed concern over attempts to create divisions and hostility among people in a region known for its rich cultural traditions and urged the public to remain vigilant against such efforts.

Arshad also announced that Udupi had emerged as Karnataka’s first fully literate district, recording a literacy rate of 95.53% according to the Central Government’s norms. He formally declared the district fully literate on the occasion.

Earlier, the minister offered prayers to Goddess Bhuvaneshwari at Board High School and flagged off the Kannada Rajyotsava procession. The procession proceeded to the District Mahatma Gandhi Stadium via Kavi Muddana Marga and Jodukatte.

MLA Yashpal A. Suvarna, Narayana Guru Development Corporation Chairman Manjunath Poojary Mudradi, Udupi Urban Development Authority Chairman Dinakar Heroor, Coastal Development Board Chairman M.A. Gafoor, Deputy Commissioner T.K. Swaroopa and others were present.