Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Apr 17: Minister for tourism and heavy and medium industries R V Deshpande on Sunday April 17 flagged off the KSTDC city tour bus from in front of the main entrance of Dr Shivaram Karanth Pilikula Nisargadhama at Moodushedde here.

Addressing the gathering, Deshpande said, "Pilikula is named after Dr Shivaram Karanth, so it should be famous not only in the state but throughout the country. Since Pilikula involves many departments, hence it is the responsibility of the deputy commissioner to create coordination between these departments.

"Representatives from this region had asked me for a city tour bus for Mangaluru. Accordingly I have flagged of one bus today. We have started this on a pilot basis, and if this becomes a success we will sanction another two or three buses," he added.

"In small foreign countries like Switzerland, Paris and others, tourism contributes to about 17 percent of the GDP. But here in India tourism contributes only 6 percent to the GDP. In order to develop tourism, support from locals is very essential. The main concern here is lack of cleanliness, motels, toilet facilities and security concerns. These need to be improved. In order to give security to the tourists we have appointed 175 home guards and another 250 or more are under training. We need to understand our Hindu principle that says 'Athithi Devo Bhawa'. Attacking a boy and girl who are seen together is not right; they may be siblings or relatives. If someone does anything wrong then they should be punished according to the law," he opined.

"Being the industries minister and according to my experience, tourism is an industry that yields more income and employment to the local people. So our thrust is to develop tourism in the state. The deputy commissioner had asked me for funds to develop five major beaches, namely Ullal, Suratkal, Panambur, Tannirbavi and Mulky beaches, and accordingly I have directed the officials to sanction Rs 13 crore at the earliest. Money is not an issue, ask me funds for any work which needs to be done from my ministry and I will surely get it done. Our aim is to develop tourism. I feel Pilikula is lacking in marketing. Deputy commissioner and other officials should convene a meeting and create a action plan for its marketing," he added.

Sports minister Abhayachandra Jain, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, MLA Mohiuddin Bava, deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim and others were present.