Centre urged to prepare master plan to boost tourism in coastal Karnataka: Moily

Udupi, February 6: Union Corporate Affairs Minister M. Veerappa Moily on Sunday said he had urged the Union Tourism Ministry to prepare a master plan for the development of tourism in coastal Karnataka.

Speaking to presspersons here, Mr. Moily said Union Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahay would visit the State shortly in this regard. Karnataka's coastal belt had not developed as a major tourist destination yet; the State Government should formulate a healthy tourism policy, he added.

In reply to a query on the 'Island Festival' held at St. Mary's Island from February 3 to 5, Mr. Moily said the island was once privately owned. It was during his tenure as Chief Minister that the Government got control of the island. There was no doubt that it should be developed as a tourist spot, but it must not be developed as a “hippie island”, he said.

Any such festival should not cross the levels of decency and limits of law. The district administration and police should take stern steps to prevent any acts of indecency. Foreigners, who come to India, are well-versed with their own culture. They should be exposed to the Indian culture, Mr. Moily said.

In reply to a query, the Minister said there was no need to read too much into the absence of three Congress leaders at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) meeting held in Bangalore on February 4. They had informed the leadership of their inability to attend it, he added.

Henceforth, the general body meeting of the KPCC would be held once in six months, he said.

On the Nethravati river diversion project, he said there were no plans to divert the river. Water from the Yettinahole would be supplied to the parched districts of the plains . There would be no environmental damage due to the Yettinahole project and only 15 acres would have to be acquired. The project was expected to be implemented in 30 months, he said.