Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, July 5: With cabinet meetings already held in Chamarajanagar, Nandi Hills, and Kalaburagi — and the next scheduled for Vijayapura — MLC Ivan D’Souza has urged the Karnataka government to conduct a state cabinet meeting in Mangaluru, emphasising the need to prioritise coastal region development.

Addressing a press meet at his office in the Mangaluru City Corporation building on Saturday, D’Souza said holding the cabinet meeting in Mangaluru would help draw attention to the pressing issues faced by Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada districts.

“A cabinet session in Mangaluru would allow ministers to better understand the region’s challenges and developmental needs, especially in the tourism and fisheries sectors,” he said.

Push for coastal tourism and airport expansion

D’Souza noted that while there have been state-level discussions on promoting tourism in the coastal belt, no major project has been announced so far. He stressed the need to integrate tourism with the region’s fishing economy for sustainable development.

He also proposed renaming Dakshina Kannada district as Mangaluru district, citing the city’s international recognition. “Several districts have already undergone name changes. Mangaluru deserves the same, and a cabinet meeting can take up this matter officially,” he added.

On infrastructure, he called for a special package for the development of Mangalore University, which was established in 1980, and demanded that the Mangaluru International Airport be upgraded in line with its global status. He estimated Rs 30,000 crore would be required for its expansion, citing technical constraints like its tabletop runway.

“The undivided Dakshina Kannada district, including Udupi, has always been a hub for education. We need holistic development that aligns with this identity,” he said.

Red sandstone, sand mining and urban issues

He revealed that a high-level meeting on sand and red stone mining is underway in Bengaluru, and urged the state government to formulate simplified and legal procedures for extraction. He called for measures to reduce the cost of red stone, which is in high demand locally.

D’Souza also referred to Bantwal MLA Harish Poonja’s proposal in the KDP meeting to reclaim land by clearing stormwater drains and use it for road infrastructure — a move he supported, suggesting the task be executed under the supervision of grama panchayat PDOs.

He further pushed for a separate sand mining policy for the coastal region, calling for urgent and serious consideration.

Support for legalisation of rental autos

Referring to the state government's recent decision to regularise autos operating without permits, D’Souza said it was a welcome move that he had consistently raised in the Legislative Council and with the transport minister. “This will bring relief to over 1,000 unauthorised autos in the city and reduce congestion. The government’s order allows them to operate legally within designated zones, without affecting other auto drivers,” he stated.

The press meet was attended by Bhaskar, Nagendra Kumar, Keshava Maroli, Satish Pengal, Prem Ballalbaugh, James, Vasant Shetty, Meena Tellis, and others.