Bengaluru, August 21: Draft of Karnataka’s proposed Coastal-Malnad Tourism Policy will be prepared by September 7, Energy and Tourism Minister K.J. George said on Friday. New policy is aimed at developing the tourism potential of Karnataka’s coastal and Malnad districts in a comprehensive manner, while promoting investment, employment and local economic growth.
George held a consultation meeting with elected representatives from the coastal and Malnad regions at Vidhana Soudha to discuss the key provisions to be incorporated into the proposed policy, investment opportunities and regulatory challenges affecting tourism projects.
Coastal and Malnad regions have significant potential in beach, religious, cultural, nature and other forms of tourism. The meeting discussed ways to develop these sectors while addressing local requirements and improving opportunities for investment and employment.
Single-window system suggested for tourism investments
During the meeting, representatives highlighted the need to simplify the process of obtaining approvals from multiple government departments for tourism investments.
MLA V. Sunil Kumar suggested introducing a single-window system to encourage investment in coastal tourism. A streamlined mechanism for coordinating various approvals and departments could help attract new investments, he said.
CRZ, environmental and forest rules discussed
Mangaluru district in-charge Minister U.T. Khader pointed out that coastal Karnataka has considerable tourism potential, but projects often face difficulties because of regulations relating to the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), eco-sensitive areas and the Forest Department.
He suggested reviewing the relevant regulations and approval procedures in a manner that facilitates tourism development while ensuring environmental protection.
Focus on a tourism-friendly environment
Udupi district in-charge Minister Rizwan Arshad stressed the need to create a favourable environment for expanding hotels and tourism activities in the district. He suggested that the proposed policy should consider tourist demand and the changing nature of tourism activities, including appropriate provisions relating to operating hours and other requirements.
Tourism Department Secretary Dr. Ram Prasath Manohar, along with legislators and other elected representatives from the coastal and Malnad regions, participated in the meeting and presented suggestions concerning tourism development in their respective constituencies.
Among those present were Captain Brijesh Chota, Kota Srinivas Poojary, V. Sunil Kumar, Manjunath Bhandary, Ivan D'Souza, Harish Poonja, Umanath A. Kotyan, Bharat 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.
Draft policy targeted for September 7
Minister George said the suggestions received during the consultation would be examined and incorporated while preparing the draft policy.
“Coastal and Malnad Karnataka are major tourism assets of the State. A comprehensive policy incorporating local requirements and the suggestions of elected representatives is necessary to fully utilise the tourism potential of these regions,” he said.
Minister said the government aims to have the draft ready by September 7. Further consultations will be held before the policy is finalised. A Cabinet meeting is also expected to be held in Mangaluru soon, where the government will examine the next steps and the final decision relating to the policy.
Keywords
Coastal Malnad Tourism Policy, KJ George, Karnataka Tourism, Coastal Karnataka Tourism, CRZ rules, tourism investment, Citizen News Puttur