Coastal MLAs seek integrated development, higher budget allocation

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 13, 2026: Public representatives from Karnataka’s three coastal districts have urged the state government to allocate adequate funds for various development projects in the upcoming budget, stressing the need for comprehensive development of the coastal region.

At a meeting of the Coastal Development Board held on Thursday at the district administration complex Praja Soudha in Padil, under the chairmanship of Assembly Speaker U. T. Khader, ministers and MLAs from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada called for a holistic approach to coastal development and effective implementation of projects.

Addressing the meeting, Khader said that constructing high-quality, elevated roads along the coastline would help control coastal erosion while also improving connectivity and boosting tourism. He added that additional funding was required for the West Coast Canal Project and noted that the proposed Ullal Kotekar jetty would help ease pressure on the Mangaluru port.

Fisheries and Ports Minister Mankal S. Vaidya said dredging works worth ₹70 crore had been proposed across 13 fishing harbours in the three coastal districts. He said the matter had been discussed with the Chief Minister and funding was expected.

MLA Umanath Kotian stressed the need for a permanent solution to coastal erosion, the implementation of a water metro project to promote tourism, and special allocations for the development of major tourist destinations.

MLA Kiran Kodgi called for shifting the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) office from Bengaluru to Mangaluru or Udupi to avoid long delays in approvals. He also said the coastal region needs an agricultural university and suggested upgrading the Brahmavar Agricultural Science College to university status.

MLA Yashpal Suvarna said the fisheries and ports departments functioning separately was hindering the development of fishing harbours. He proposed merging the two departments and starting an engineering wing to accelerate infrastructure works. He also pointed out delays in dredging due to prolonged tender processes and suggested the state government procure its own dredging equipment. Suvarna further called for a uniform fisheries policy along India’s west coast, noting that differing policies and fishing bans across states were causing hardship to fishermen.

MLA Dhananjaya Sarji urged the establishment of a high-end government hospital for cancer and cardiac care in the coastal region to provide affordable advanced treatment. He also sought the construction of more hostels, citing the large number of students coming to the coast from other parts of the state.

MLA Bhagirathi Murulya demanded a special package for arecanut growers in the next budget, a specific status for rubber cultivation, and sanctioning of teaching posts at the livestock science college in Koila, Kadaba taluk. She also highlighted that despite Kadaba being a taluk for several years, many government departments were yet to be established, forcing residents to travel to Puttur for official work.

MLA Bharath Shetty said flooding during the monsoon was recurring in urban areas due to the failure to dredge stormwater drains at points where they merge with rivers, and called for urgent remedial measures.

Coastal Development Board Chairman M. A. Gafoor said proposals would be sent to implement key coastal development projects. He added that the points discussed at the meeting would be incorporated into the Board’s action plan and funding would be sought accordingly.

Deputy Commissioner Darshan H. V., Board Secretary Pradeep D’Souza, and officials Manjunath Shetty, Sridhar T. D., Mohammed Tausif, Harihara, Harikanth and Pavan Kumar were present at the meeting.