Pic: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Aug 28: Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader announced that the state cabinet meeting, scheduled to be held in Bijapur next, will later take place in Mangaluru as well. He urged people’s representatives and officials of Dakshina Kannada district to prepare a comprehensive list of the district’s requirements ahead of the meeting.
Speaking to reporters at Circuit House on Thursday, August 28, Khader said chief minister and deputy chief minister have already responded positively to the proposal for a cabinet meeting in Mangaluru. “Such meetings have already been held in Kalaburagi, Chamarajanagar and Chikkaballapur. After Bijapur, Mangaluru will host the cabinet, and we expect several pending demands of the district to be addressed,” he added.
On tourism development, Khader said a meeting chaired by deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar with mining, tourism and district in-charge ministers had discussed coastal tourism initiatives. Among the major projects is a Rs 200 crore twin-lane bridge from Kotepura to Bolara, covering 1.5 km. Alongside, three tourist viewing decks costing Rs 33 crore and connectivity to a nearby island have been proposed. The project report has been sent to Nabard for approval, after which tenders will be floated. Plans also include closing the bridge to vehicles for a few hours on Sundays to allow families to enjoy the scenic spot.
Khader also highlighted preparations for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Regional Conference, to be held in Bengaluru from September 11–14 under the leadership of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Speakers from nine Commonwealth countries will attend, with a post-conference visit planned to Chamundi Hills, Mysuru Palace and Brindavan Gardens.
AI-based security in Mangaluru constituency
The speaker further announced that an AI-based security system worth about Rs 60 crore is being prepared for Mangaluru assembly constituency. With support from technology firms such as Infosys, AI-powered CCTV cameras will be installed. He urged local industries and hospitals to support the initiative to expedite its implementation.
Sand and laterite stone supply
Khader said that three rounds of meetings have been held regarding the shortage of sand and laterite stone in the district. While illegal quarrying of laterite was earlier rampant, it has now been curbed. “Laterite is essential for house construction here. Licenses should be granted within a month of application, and royalty on laterite must not be levied at par with other quarries. Applications will be inspected within a week, and final decisions will be made in the September 4 meeting,” he said.
He also stressed that officials must enforce regulations during festivals in a manner sensitive to local culture, ensuring that celebrations are not disrupted.