‘Will continue fight till Mangaluru Airport is renamed after Koti Chennaya’

News Network

November 21, 2020

Mangaluru, Nov 21: Dakshina Kannada District Congress Committee president Harish Kumar urged the Central and state governments to rename Mangalore International Airport after Koti Chennaya — the twin cultural folk heroes of Tulu Nadu.

Speaking to media persons, Mr Kumar, who is also an MLC said: “The DCC will continue its fight till the Airport is renamed. The Malavoor Gram Panchayat had passed a resolution to rename the Airport after Koti Chennaya four years ago, and had sent it to the DK Zilla Panchayat, which too had passed a resolution and sent to the state government to be sent to the Centre for approval.

“In spite of it, when I raised the issue in the Council in March, the government stated that there was no proposal before the state government. Later, on May 26, 2020, the principal secretary to Department of Infrastructure Development sent a circular to Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner stating that the state government has no role to play in the renaming of the Airport as the airports in Kalaburagi, Hubballi, Mangaluru and Belagavi come under Airports Authority of India and have been given for maintenance to the private firms,” the MLC said.

Further, he urged Dakshina Kannada MP and State BJP president Nalin Kumar Kateel to inform the residents of Mangaluru on the status of the proposal that he had sent to the Centre on naming the Airport after Koti Chennaya.

Adani Group which has taken up maintenance of six airports in India has not changed the name of any airport to Adani Airport except that of Mangaluru. “It is a hidden agenda to name the Airport,’’ he alleged.

Stating that the Congress is not engaged in caste politics, the DCC president accused the BJP government of involving in caste politics by creating corporations and boards for Veerashaiva and Maratha communities when the elections were nearing. Incidentally, over 20 authorities, boards and corporations in the state have no presidents.

He accused the BJP government of engaging in election gimmick in the name of caste and religion.

It was the Congress-led government which set up Narayana Guru Study Centre at Mangalore University, initiated measures to develop Padumale, the birth place of Koti Chennaya and creation of Deyi Baidethi medicinal plants garden on seven acres of land near Puttur.

In a separate press release, KPCC former secretary Rakshith Shivaram also warned of intensifying the protest demanding the renaming of the Airport.

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Tourism dept to enforce stringent pool and beach safety guidelines in coastal Karnataka

News Network

November 19,2024

In the wake of the tragic drowning of three students at a resort near Ullal on the outskirts of Mangaluru city, the tourism department in Dakshina Kannada is set to implement comprehensive safety guidelines for properties with swimming pools or beach access. This initiative aims to ensure guest safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.

New Safety Mandates for Resorts and Homestays

Rashmi S.R., deputy director (in-charge) of the tourism department, announced, “We will instruct all homestays and resorts to enforce precautionary measures, especially those with pools or direct beach access. Properties must ensure 24/7 supervision, particularly during guest hours. This tragedy highlights the importance of having trained personnel on-site.”

Key Safety Guidelines

The district, home to around 150 homestays and 130 resorts, will see the following measures enforced:

Clearly displaying pool depths.
Installing adequate safety equipment, such as life buoys.
Employing trained lifeguards at all times.
Establishing clear pool operating hours.
Reviewing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for pool and beach usage.

Booming Beach Tourism Calls for Vigilance

Manohar Shetty, president of the Association for Coastal Tourism (ACT), Udupi, highlighted the growing popularity of beachside resorts, particularly during peak seasons. Properties in Udupi, often fully booked with tourists from Bengaluru, Mysuru, Kodagu, and Shivamogga, face increasing pressure to maintain safety standards.

Udupi district boasts 22 beachside commercial properties catering to this rising demand.

Shetty emphasized, “Authorities must scrutinize safety measures and carefully evaluate guidelines before issuing new resort licenses. Panchayats should rely on the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act when handling such cases.”

Long-Term Solutions for Water Safety

Recognizing the need for a cultural shift in water safety, Shetty proposed integrating swimming lessons into school curricula. This move would not only equip students with essential skills but also encourage safe participation in water-based activities.

A Safer Tomorrow for Coastal Tourism

As the tourism sector thrives, Mangaluru’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to visitor safety. The tragic incident serves as a wake-up call, propelling the industry towards stricter regulations and better preparedness, ensuring that coastal vacations remain both enjoyable and safe.

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