Coastal Region to Be Developed into World-Class Tourism Destination: D.K. Shivakumar
Udupi: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday said the state government would formulate a separate tourism policy for the coastal and Malnad regions, with the aim of transforming the coast into a world-class tourism destination.
Speaking after inaugurating the Women’s Dasara celebrations as part of Ucchila Dasara 2026 at the Sri Mahalakshmi Temple in Ucchila, Kaup, Shivakumar said the government would prioritise tourism development around religious centres along the coast.
“Without waves, the sea has no value. Similarly, without the coastal region, the state loses its significance. A meeting on tourism policy will be held in Mangaluru shortly. We aim to create local employment opportunities and prevent young people from migrating elsewhere in search of jobs,” he said.
Shivakumar said the state Cabinet had decided to establish a park in Karkala to preserve and promote the traditional art of carving. The government would also encourage gold and wood carving in the coastal region to generate employment and safeguard traditional skills.
Women’s Empowerment a Priority
Emphasising the importance of women’s empowerment, Shivakumar said it was essential for the overall progress of society.
“Mahalakshmi represents wealth, Mahasaraswati represents knowledge, and Mahakali represents power. Women are the eyes of a family, and women’s empowerment is the path to progress,” he said.
He said the government had taken note of the concerns raised by women from the fishing community, who sought interest-free loans and the construction of a harbour. However, as the Model Code of Conduct was in force, no immediate announcements could be made. He assured them that their demands would be discussed with officials in Bengaluru before further action was taken.
Referring to the state government’s guarantee schemes, Shivakumar said the government had fulfilled its promises to the people and that financial assistance was being credited to women’s bank accounts, although occasional delays of a month or two might occur.
Government to Promote Tulu and Coastal Culture
Beginning his address with greetings in Tulu, Shivakumar recalled visiting Ucchila and seeking the blessings of Goddess Mahalakshmi when he was Deputy Chief Minister. He said it was a privilege to return as Chief Minister and a public servant to seek the goddess’s blessings.
Emphasising the importance of mother tongues, he said the government demonstrated its respect for Tulu by holding a Cabinet meeting in Tulu Nadu. He added that the government would discuss initiatives to promote the Tulu language and traditional cultural forms such as Pili Vesha (tiger dance), Yakshagana and Kambala.
Shivakumar said Dasara was not merely a religious festival but also an important driver of economic activity. He stressed the need to identify and encourage talented children from rural areas and provide them with opportunities to excel at the state and national levels.
He also urged people to rise above caste and religious differences and make humanity their guiding principle.
During the programme, Shivakumar inaugurated the Women’s Dasara celebrations, was felicitated by the temple committee and unveiled a poster promoting the Ucchila Pili Vesha celebrations.
Minister U.T. Khader, Rizwan Arshad, MP Kota Srinivas Poojary, MLAs Mankal S. Vaidya, Yashpal Suvarna and Gurme Suresh Shetty, Legislative Council members Manjunath Bhandary and Ivan D’Souza, KPCC Campaign Committee president Vinay Kumar Sorake, Coastal Development Board chairman M.A. Gafoor, former MLAs Lalaji Mendon and Gopal Poojary, District Congress president Kishan Hegde and others were present.
