Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada unit of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has raised questions over the tourism projects announced by the state government for the coastal region, while calling for a broader discussion on the direction of tourism development in the region.

The party also welcomed the state government’s decision to make Tulu the second official language in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, but said the Centre should take steps to include Tulu in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

Addressing a press conference, AAP state vice-president Vivekananda Salins said the announcements made during the state cabinet meeting in Mangaluru on September 18 largely concerned unfinished projects and did not include substantial new initiatives for tourism.

“Chief Minister D K Shivakumar had made several promises to transform tourism in Mangaluru, but the announcements made at the cabinet meeting on September 18 largely concern unfinished projects. There is nothing substantially new,” Salins said.

AAP questioned the allocation of public funds for several large tourism projects and said such investments would not create adequate employment opportunities for local youth.

The party cited the allocation of Rs 60.3 crore for a three-star hotel near the Lighthouse, Rs 125.3 crore for the Gurupura river and its islands, Rs 73 crore for the Kodikal riverfront project and Rs 53 crore for the Tannirbhavi Beach glamping and ocean experience centre.

It also raised concerns over the proposed Rs 48 crore adventure entertainment project at Maravanthe Beach and Rs 64 crore allocation for a resort in Chikkamagaluru.

AAP further cautioned against the proposed construction of multi-storey structures and bridges on 12 ecologically sensitive islands across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts, saying such projects could have an adverse impact on the environment.

The party also urged the government to strengthen safety measures at coastal tourist destinations by appointing trained lifeguards, citing recurring incidents of tourist drownings.

AAP sought greater support for tourism activities such as kayaking, scuba diving and surfing, and called for promotion of local cultural industries, including Tulu cinema and Yakshagana.

The party said it was ready for an open dialogue with Dakshina Kannada district minister U T Khader to discuss and formulate a tourism plan suited to the needs of the region.