Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader chairing a meeting of the Coastal Development Board, which was attended by legislators from three coastal districts, on Thursday, February 12, in Mangaluru.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Legislators from three coastal districts on Thursday, February 12, demanded the earmarking of adequate funds in the next Budget for undertaking various development projects in the region.
Chairing a meeting of legislators called by the Karnataka Coastal Development Board, Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader said fisheries roads should be constructed at an elevated level to safeguard them from damage caused by sea erosion. It would also improve tourism opportunities, he said.
He added that more funds were required for the Pashchima Vahini project to enhance groundwater recharge and ensure a supply of drinking water. The Mangaluru (Ullal) legislator said the construction of the Ullal Kotepura Jetty would also reduce the pressure on Old Mangaluru Port.
Mankal S. Vaidya, Fisheries and Ports Minister and Bhatkal MLA, said the department would dredge 13 fishing ports in the three districts at a cost of ₹70 crore.
Demanding a permanent solution to sea erosion, Umanath Kotian, Moodbidri MLA, highlighted the need for implementing a water metro to promote tourism and more funds to develop tourist destinations.
A. Kiran Kumar Kodgi, Kundapura MLA, demanded that the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) office located in Bengaluru be shifted either to Mangaluru or Udupi. This would avoid long waits for various CRZ-related permissions. Stressing the need for an agricultural university, he called for the upgradation of the Agricultural Science College in Brahmavara.
Merge departments
Yashpal Suvarna, Udupi MLA, noted that the independent working of the fisheries and ports departments was hindering the development of fishing ports. He suggested that these departments be merged and an engineering wing be established. This will speed up infrastructure development in the ports, he said. He also suggested that the government take up the dredging work of the ports on its own instead of awarding contracts to avoid delays.
Meanwhile, Dhananjaya Sarji, MLC, demanded the setting up of a speciality government hospital on the coast to provide quality treatment for cancer and heart-related ailments at affordable prices.
Bhagirathi Muralya, Sullia MLA, called for a special package for arecanut growers in the next Budget. She further called for the functioning of all the deaprtments in Kadaba, which was designated as a taluk a few years ago.
Bharat Shetty, Mangaluru City North MLA, demanded the immediate dredging of stormwater drains at their junctions with rivers to prevent flooding in the city
Board chairman M.A. Gafoor, Deputy Commissioner H.V. Darshan and others were present.
Published – February 12, 2026 07:48 pm IST
