Dakshina Kannada Gets Tourism Push, Key Welfare Projects in State Budget
Mangalore Today News Network
Mangaluru, March 8, 2026: The state budget presented by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced several programmes for Dakshina Kannada district, bringing optimism for development in sectors such as tourism, fisheries, agriculture and social welfare. However, there is also some disappointment among residents as a few major projects expected by the district were not included in the budget.
A major highlight of the budget is the proposed Comprehensive Coastal Tourism Development Project aimed at boosting tourism in the coastal districts. The initiative plans to strengthen connectivity through seaplanes and heli-taxi services in collaboration with aviation companies, water adventure operators and tourism partners. Activities such as jolly rides and river cruises are also expected to be promoted to attract more tourists to the coastal belt.
Among other important announcements is the formation of the Kukke Sri Subrahmanya Temple Authority for the overall development of the famous pilgrimage centre at Kukke Subramanya. The budget also proposes the establishment of a Centre of Excellence at the Mangalore Fisheries College to promote biotechnology-based industries, advanced technologies and marine farming.
In the social welfare sector, the government has announced the construction of a 50-bed hostel for working women from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Mangaluru. New police stations are also proposed to be opened at Mani and Sajipanadu to strengthen law and order in the region.
The fisheries sector has received attention with the announcement of fish markets in four districts including Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, along with an allocation of ₹20 crore for the maintenance of fisheries link roads across the state. The value of the free fisheries equipment kit provided to fishermen has also been doubled from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000.
The government has further proposed starting post-matric hostels for backward class students in nine districts including Mangaluru. To improve safety for people living in remote settlements of the Malnad and coastal regions, particularly schoolchildren, the budget has proposed the construction of 300 footbridges.
Agriculture has also been addressed with an allocation of ₹10 crore for community-based pest and disease control measures in collaboration with universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras. The programme aims to tackle diseases affecting arecanut crops such as leaf spot, yellow leaf disease and rot, as well as pests affecting coconut crops including black-headed caterpillars and whiteflies.
The budget also proposes protection works along the left bank of the Netravathi River at Ullal, along with the construction of protective embankments in the taluks of Sullia, Kadaba, Puttur, and Bantwal.
While the budget outlines several initiatives aimed at strengthening infrastructure and livelihoods in the district, local stakeholders continue to hope that some of the long-pending demands of Dakshina Kannada will receive attention in the coming months.