Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (JD)

Karkala, Jan 28: “A master plan will be drawn to promote culture and temple tourism in the coastal Karnataka in order to improve the economy,” said chief minister Basavaraj Bommai.

Speaking after inaugurating the statue of Parashuram atop Umikal Hill here on Friday January 27, he said, “There are ample opportunities for tourism here and already a number of schemes have been chalked out. The people of this area are hardworking and to make their life more meaningful, this region requires tourism as well as industries. But they require infrastructure. A complete development is when port, logistic parks are set up and roads are improved. Already, investors have come forward to invest Rs 1.5 lac crore for the manufacture of fuel, hydrogen and ammonia. It will be made a reality soon and help in changing the lives of people. Giving small packages will not improve the life of people as the strength of the ports must be increased. If investment increases, economic activities must also change on a big scale. The government's aim is not to give packages, but to improve life of people.

"It is a historic day especially in coastal Karnataka as the statue of Parashuram has been installed and a theme park is inaugurated. Parashuram is the creator of Tulunadu and had the personality of Karna. He was very brave, received the blessings of Shiva and was very strong. The people from this region must remember him,” he said.

V Sunil Kumar, Kannada and cultural minister, S Angara, Udupi in-charge minister, Shobha Karandlaje, MP Udupi-Chikkamagaluru, MLAs Lalji Mendon and Raghupati Bhat and noted actor Rishabh Shetty were present.

The Parashuram statue installed atop Umikal hill in Bailur, Karkala is already attracting thousands of tourists from various parts of the state and nation. The theme park has Bhajan mandir, museum, open air amphitheatre, drawings depicting life of Parashuram, audio visual gallery, and a restaurant.