Government Engagement to Boost Industrial, Tourism, and Digital Development in Coastal Karnataka: M.G. Balakrishna
Udupi: M.G. Balakrishna, President of the Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, announced plans for imminent discussions with the state government aimed at enhancing industrial clusters, fostering digital entrepreneurship, and expanding tourism opportunities in coastal Karnataka. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to streamline industrial policies within the coastal districts.
During a press conference held in Manipal, Balakrishna underscored the urgent need for improvements in tourism infrastructure throughout the region. He urged that the state government’s draft tourism policy prioritize the enhancement of road networks, the development of airports, and improved rail connectivity in Udupi and its surrounding coastal areas.
“The business community in Udupi and coastal Karnataka requires a conducive environment for trade and industry to thrive,” Balakrishna stated. He emphasized the necessity for comprehensive policies focusing on fisheries, agricultural processing, and marine exports. Furthermore, he advocated for the strengthening of industrial corridors to bolster economic growth.
A key component of the proposed initiatives is the empowerment of local youth through the ‘Silicon Surf – 25’ digital revolution concept. Balakrishna reiterated the importance of targeting sectors such as AI-fintech, e-commerce, and digital services, highlighting the need for establishing IT parks and attracting technology startups to the region.
Call for a Special Coastal Policy
Addressing the existing infrastructure, Joint Director Nagraj V. Nayak highlighted that the Udupi district is home to nine fish processing units, which accounted for 70% of the shares in this sector last year. He asserted that a specialized policy is essential to allocate 500 acres of land along the coastline, with necessary CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) concessions, to enhance the fishing industry.
Nayak provided insights into current industrial land availability, stating that the industrial areas in Nandikoor, Belapu, Miyaru, and Karkala encompass a total of 264 acres. Additionally, new industrial zones have been identified in Nitte, Hebri, and Shivapura in Karkala. The Karnataka Economic Authority (KEA) has also repossessed 530 acres in the second phase of the UPCL project, alongside the identification of 350 acres of private land.
Despite these initiatives, Nayak acknowledged the challenges posed to the industrial establishment in Udupi due to land availability issues resulting from the proximity to the sea, CRZ regulations, and the Western Ghats. He noted that the Udupi district is home to approximately 10,000 small and very small enterprises, underscoring their significant role in employment generation.
The conference was attended by key figures including Nagraj V. Nayak, Joint Director of the Udupi District Department of Commerce and Industry; Uma Reddy, Vice President of the Chamber; Rameshchandra Lahoti, Immediate Past President; Ammunje Prabhakar Nayak, President of the Udupi District Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Dr. Vijayendra Rao, Secretary; and Andaru Deviprasad Shetty, Chairman of the District Coordination Committee.
