Coastal Development Board Seeks ₹100 Crore Grant for Regional Growth: M.A. Gafoor

Karwar: Coastal Development Board Chairman M.A. Gafoor has urged the state government to increase the annual grant for the board from ₹10 crore to at least ₹100 crore, stating that the existing funds are not enough to address the development requirements of coastal districts.

Speaking at a Coastal Development Board meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Karwar on Saturday, Gafur said the current allocation is being used for various development projects across Uttara Kannada, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. However, the available funds are inadequate to meet major public demands and complete important infrastructure works.

He said board members have requested a higher allocation and the demand for a ₹100 crore grant will be placed before the Chief Minister for consideration.

Gafur also spoke about development plans inspired by study visits to Kochi and Tamil Nadu. He said efforts are being made to introduce a water metro service in Karnataka on the lines of Kochi, upgrade shipbuilding facilities and explore the establishment of a new shipbuilding centre at Honnavar.

He added that an expert study will be conducted on climate related challenges affecting the coastal region, and a report will be submitted to the government. The board is also exploring the possibility of launching seaplane services under the UDAN scheme.

Officials were instructed to ensure that development projects taken up by the board are completed within the scheduled timeframe while maintaining quality standards.

During the meeting, Sirsi MLA Bhimanna Naik stressed the need to prioritise footbridges, connecting roads and bridge cum barrage projects in the Malnad region. He also suggested improving safety measures near waterfalls instead of imposing complete restrictions, allowing tourism activities to continue.

MLA Umanath Kotian urged the government to consider constructing a ring road from Talapady to Karwar to help address coastal erosion issues. He also suggested providing at least ₹1 crore to each MLA and ₹50 lakh to board members for development activities.

Legislative Council member Shantaram Budna Siddi highlighted the need to improve basic infrastructure, including roads, in tribal areas of coastal districts.

Board member Ganapati Ulvekar called for greater focus on fishermen’s safety and welfare. He requested compensation for damaged fishing boats and nets and urged authorities to ensure that naval operations do not create difficulties for fishing communities.

The meeting approved the Coastal Development Board’s action plan for the 2026-27 financial year. It was also decided to submit a proposal to the government seeking authority for the board secretary to make necessary one time changes to approved projects.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner K. Lakshmipriya, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Dr. Dileesh Shashi, Additional Deputy Commissioner Sajid Mulla, Coastal Development Board Secretary Pradeep D’Souza and other officials.