'No response from Centre over tourism project'

August 31, 2011

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Udupi, August 31: There is no response from the Central government to the proposal sent urging fund allotments for the upgradation of the stretches from Karavali junction to Malpe under tourism programme, said MLA Raghupathy Bhat speaking at the CMC general body meeting held here on Tuesday.

He informed that a proposal for the amount of Rs 47 crores was sent to the central government and we are expecting the reply for the same. The amount will cover land acquisition process and upgradation and widening of the stretches. The Central government has not allotted any funds for the promotion of tourism in this area.

“We have requested Chief Minister for financial assistance to repair the stretches,” he said and added that a sum of Rs 90 lakhs has been earmarked for the repair of Balaipade-Kinnimulki stretch. Technical process is going on for the purpose, he said.

Bhat also turned down the proposal by the member Amritha Krishnamurthy for increasing the length of Kinnimulki upper bridge from the present proposal of 40 feet to 120 feet. She demanded that the increase in length will avoid traffic chaos. Bhat said the earlier proposal will be considered, he added.

Coming down heavily on the contractors who construct bad roads that have short life, especially in Perampalli area, Bhat asked the Commissioner to take immediate action against the contractors. They should be black listed, he said.

Member Sumitra Nayak demanded immediate repair of the stretches in Parkala as it is in very bad condition. Former CMC President Dinaker Shetty demanded funds for land acquisition process in Parkala. Bhat informed that a meet will be held with DC, CMC Commissioner and the Councillor of the area and measures will be taken accordingly.

About Rs 64 lakhs have been sanctioned for the project under 50-54 scheme, he added. He said that Councillors should create awareness among SC/ST community people over the benefits of the Chief Minister health cards issued to them.

CMC Commissioner Gokuldas Nayak informed that as many as Rs 27 lakhs have been claimed by the beneficiaries till July end under the programme. As many as 2,700 families have been facilitated by the health cards. “We have paid about Rs 31 lakhs as premium including VAT,” he added.

Briefing over Vajpayee Vasathi Yojane, Bhat informed that Udupi district is given highest target to cover under the scheme. Last year, it was about 300 and for the current year, the target is 600. However, it is the Banks that are creating unnecessary hassles fearing the recovery of the amount. This has delayed the sanctioning of fund under the scheme.

The conversion process has been made easier to get the benefits immediately, he said. The Commissioner informed that as many as 330 applications were received under the scheme.

About 60 applications have been approved and another 140 are under the process of bank review. The remaining 130 applications are not approved, he added. MLA informed that as many as Rs 36 crores is allotted for the underground channel project covering Manipal-Santhekatte area. Work will start by the beginning of next year, he said.

There was hue and cry in the House over the extra charges that were charged in the parking lot by the private parties within CMC limits, especially during Krishna Janmastami celebrations.

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Media Release
November 24,2025

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Sharjah, UAE: Ayisha Basheer Esra, a talented young writer hailing from Aramboor in Dakshina Kannada’s Sullia taluk, marked a significant milestone in her burgeoning literary career with the launch of her debut novel, The Betrayal of the Kingdom, at the Sharjah International Book Fair. The prestigious event, recognized as the world’s largest book fair, provided a fitting stage for the unveiling of Esra’s work.

The official release ceremony was conducted by Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director of the Religious Affairs Office of the Sharjah Government and a distinguished member of the royal family, underscoring the significance of Esra’s achievement. Mrs. Lini Shivaprasad, Principal of GEMS Millennium School, Sharjah, had the honor of receiving the first copy of the novel.

The event was graced by the presence of numerous distinguished guests, reflecting the widespread recognition of Esra’s literary talent and the anticipation surrounding her debut novel. Among the notable attendees were Syed Panakkad Munawwarali Shihab Tangal, Dr. Mariam Al Shenasi, the UAE’s renowned writer and Head of Dar Al Yasmin Publications, Dr. K. K. N. Kurup, Retired Vice Chancellor of Calicut University and Historian, Sharjah Businessman Shamsuddin Bin Mohideen, Nizar Talangara, President of the Sharjah Indian Association, V. T Salim, Director of Silver Home Real Estate, Munir Al Wafa, MD of Lipi Publication Akbar, and other esteemed individuals.

At the remarkably young age of eight, Esra has already established herself as a prolific writer, authoring and publishing collections of short stories in addition to her newly released full-length novel. Her dedication to writing and her exceptional talent have positioned her as one of the youngest authors to achieve such literary success. 

Esra is the daughter of Basheer and Haseena, residents of Aramboor, Sullia, and currently a student at Sharjah’s GEMS Millennium School. Her early accomplishments serve as an inspiration to aspiring young writers and a testament to the power of nurturing creativity from a young age.

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News Network
November 30,2025

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Udupi: The pontiffs of Sri Paryaya Puttige Mutt, the sacred seat of Jagadguru Shrimad Madhvacharya Moola Samsthanam, have submitted a proposal to the Prime Minister seeking comprehensive development for Udupi district. 

Proposal for International Airport

A key request is the establishment of an international airport. Highlighting that around 1,000 acres of land are available and suitable, the pontiffs noted that the existing Mangalore Airport provides limited international connectivity. They suggested the airport be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) or as a Greenfield Airport to boost trade, education, healthcare, and spiritual tourism.

Metro and Rapid Transit Connectivity

The proposal also calls for Metro Rail or Rapid Transit between Mangaluru and Udupi. The 55 km coastal stretch experiences heavy daily commuter traffic, causing congestion. The district administration is ready to prepare an initial project report for a Mass Rapid Transit corridor and requested inclusion under national urban mobility programmes to ensure safe, green, and time-efficient regional transport.

Port and Coastal Development

The pontiffs urged the development of an international-standard port with a cruise terminal along Udupi’s coast. They also requested fast-tracking of pending coastal tourism projects and revising Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms to encourage sustainable infrastructure and hospitality investment.

IT, AI and Technological Infrastructure

Support was sought for an IT and AI Innovation Park with incubation facilities under Digital India and Startup India initiatives. The proposal also emphasized the need for strengthened data security and cloud computing infrastructure to boost India’s technological independence.

Sports and Education Initiatives

The pontiffs requested national sports status for Kambala, along with financial and infrastructure support. They also sought the establishment of an AIIMS in Udupi, a new IIT campus, and approval for an IIM to promote higher education in the district.

Representation to the Prime Minister

Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Pontiff and Sri Sushrendra Tirtha Swamiji represented the pontiffs in submitting the comprehensive development proposal to the Prime Minister during his recent visit.

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coastaldigest.com news network
November 28,2025

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Udupi district transformed into a sea of saffron and celebration on Friday, November 28, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s roadshow swept through the coastal temple town. Thousands of residents lined the streets, turning the event into a vibrant public spectacle filled with cheers, flags, and festive energy.

The procession route—from the helipad to the historic Sri Krishna Math—was decked with buntings, saffron flags, and multilayered security barricades. One of the district’s largest-ever security deployments was put in place for the high-profile visit, with over 3,000 police personnel on duty. The arrangement included ten SPs, 27 DSPs, 49 inspectors, 127 sub-inspectors, 232 assistant sub-inspectors, 1,608 constables, and 39 women staff.

Six platoons of the Karnataka State Reserve Police, six Quick Response Teams, bomb detection units, and dog squads were stationed across Udupi. Enhanced surveillance covered Adi Udupi, Bannanje bus stand, and the Sri Krishna Math parking zone, with combing operations carried out along the roadshow corridor.

At the 800-year-old Sri Krishna Math, preparations reached a ceremonial peak. Paryaya Puttige Math seer Sugunendra Teertha Swamiji said the Prime Minister would take part in the Laksha Kantha Geetha Parayana, a mass chanting of the Bhagavad Gita by one lakh devotees, and inaugurate the new Suvarna Teertha Mantapa.

“He will first offer floral tributes to saint-poet Kanakadasa and then unveil the golden covering over the Kanakana Kindi,” the seer said.

The Prime Minister will also receive a Poorna Kumbha welcome and have darshan of Lord Sri Krishna, Mukhyaprana Devaru, and the Suvarna Paduke. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Minister Bairathi Suresh, Dharmadhikari D. Veerendra Heggade, and seers from the Ashta Maths are expected to join the ceremony.

Ahead of his arrival, the Prime Minister posted on X that he felt “honoured” to attend the spiritually significant gathering. “This is a special occasion that brings together people from different sections of society for a recital of the Gita. This Matha has a very special significance in our cultural life,” he wrote, noting the institution’s long-standing legacy rooted in the teachings of Sri Madhvacharya.

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