Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Sep 27: "A lot of misinformation has been spread about the proposed marina project at Padukere," said MLA Raghupati Bhat.

Addressing the gathering at the World Tourism Day programme at the district headquarters, he said, "People involved in tourism should educate the locals about the advantages and amount of revenue the tourism sector offers. If the people’s representatives speak regarding these issues, the public will think that we are earning a large amount of money by promoting new projects in the tourism sector. Rs 800 crore was earmarked under Sagarmala for the project. But we initiated a feasibility survey even before the project was implemented. Rs 1 crore was also sanctioned for the feasibility survey by Coastal Development Authority. But the public did not even allow the survey to be done.

"Misinformation was spread about the project. Banners were put up banning our entry to Padukere. I personally met the locals twice and tried to convince them, but in vain. Now the project is being shifted to Ottinene in Byndoor constituency. We were targeted. People were not ready to be convinced. No one supported the project. Protests were held near the shop of our councillor for supporting the project at the CMC meeting. Such projects help in the growth of our country’s economy. But our people are not even ready to discuss the feasibility of the project. Those experienced in the field of tourism should educate the public in these matters," he said.