MLC Manjunath Bhandary seeks ₹5,000-crore special package for coastal Karnataka at Cabinet meeting

MLC and State Congress working president Manjunath Bhandary on Saturday said he had sought a ₹5,000-crore special economic package for coastal Karnataka to be included in the agenda of the September 18 Mangaluru Cabinet meeting to improve infrastructure, fisheries, tourism, and higher education sectors, and for the protection of the culture of the coastal districts.

Mr. Bhandary, in a statement here, said Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar responded positively to his memorandum and asked the Chief Secretary to include prominent demands in the Cabinet meeting agenda. The MLC sought immediate administrative approval to start an advanced skill development centre, a permanent solution to coastal erosion, and economic empowerment of farmers and fishermen.

Agriculture and fisheries

Mr. Bhandary demanded upgrading the Agriculture/Horticulture Diploma College in Brahmavara, Udupi district, as an Agricultural University and making use of 342 acres of land and infrastructure worth ₹20 crore. The diploma courses may be relocated to the university premises at Kattalagere in Davanagere district.

The MLC said the Mangaluru Fisheries College should be upgraded as a fisheries university to provide higher education and research in fisheries, aquaculture, marine science, fish processing, and value-addition technology. A Karnataka Fisheries Council should be established for the comprehensive development of the fisheries sector in the State.

There is a need to develop a modern Aqua Park to promote aquaculture, fish farming, cold chain, and marketing of value-added products, providing employment and investment opportunities for local youth. The compensation to families of fishermen who die while fishing should be increased from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh.

Seeking 342 acres leased to the Pilikula Development Authority by the Revenue Department to be allotted to the nodal Science and Technology Department, Mr. Bhandary wanted it to be administered by a board. The urban eco-park work at Pilikula should be completed.

His demands also included developing a Karavali religious tourism circuit connecting Gokarna, Murdeshwar, Kollur, Udupi, Sringeri, Horanadu, Kukke Subrahmanya, Dharmasthala, and the Mangaladevi Temple. A coastal parallel road from Talapady to Byndoor is needed, he said.