Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada district unit of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has questioned the state govt’s approach to tourism development in the coastal region, while welcoming the decision to make Tulu the second official language in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. The party, however, said the move should be followed by efforts by the Centre to include Tulu in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.Addressing a press conference on Thursday, AAP state vice-president Vivekananda Salins said announcements made during the state cabinet meeting in Mangaluru on Sept 18, largely related to unfinished projects and did not offer substantial new initiatives for the region’s tourism sector. “Chief Minister DK Shivakumar had made several promises to transform tourism in Mangaluru, but the announcements made cabinet meeting on Sept 18, largely concern unfinished projects. There is nothing substantially new,” Salins said.The party questioned the allocation of public funds for large tourism projects, arguing that such investments would not create adequate employment opportunities for local youth. It cited allocations of Rs 60.3 crore for a three-star hotel near the Lighthouse, Rs 125.3 crore for the Gurupura river and its islands, Rs 73 crore for the Kodikal riverfront project and Rs 53 crore for the Tannirbhavi Beach glamping and ocean experience centre.AAP also raised concerns over Rs 48 crore earmarked for adventure entertainment at Maravanthe Beach and Rs 64 crore for a resort in Chikkamagaluru. The party warned that multi-storey structures and bridges proposed on 12 ecologically sensitive islands across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada could adversely affect the environment.AAP urged the government to strengthen coastal safety by appointing trained lifeguards to address recurring tourist drownings. It also sought greater support for employment-oriented activities such as kayaking, scuba diving and surfing, besides promoting local cultural industries including Tulu cinema and Yakshagana. The party said it was ready for an open dialogue with district minister U T Khader to formulate a tourism plan suited to local needs.
