CD Web Desk
In a historic first that blended patriotic fervor with a high-stakes economic pivot, Udupi District In-charge Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar hoisted the tricolor upon the crystalline basalt rocks of St Mary’s Island to mark India’s 77th Republic Day.
Standing against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea, the Minister delivered a stinging critique of decades of administrative apathy, revealing that all 116 of the state’s islands have languished in neglect. She signaled a “fresh perspective” for the coastal belt, positioning it not just as a regional treasure, but as a critical pillar for the nation’s future maritime economy.
From Neglect to ‘Brand Karavali’
The address comes on the heels of the Coastal Karnataka Tourism Conclave 2026, where the state government unveiled a massive ₹1,260 crore roadmap to transform the shoreline.
“We are keen on developing tourism across the entire coastal belt with a fresh perspective,” Hebbalkar stated. “Despite possessing extraordinary natural resources, we have failed to utilize them. This initiative will open new avenues for the state and the country.”
The Minister highlighted that the government is moving away from “copy-paste” tourism models like those of Goa or Kerala, instead focusing on a unique “Brand Karavali” identity. The new strategy includes:
• The Five-Circuit Strategy: Segmenting the coast into Marine, Beach, Backwater, Temple, and Hill station circuits.
• Infrastructure Overhaul: Plans for a 110-km transport corridor between Mangaluru and Maravanthe.
• Policy Reform: Streamlining Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms to invite sustainable private investment.
A Thrilling Inspection
The ceremony was more than symbolic. Upon her arrival, Minister Hebbalkar conducted a high-speed inspection of 11 Coastal Security Police boats, describing the experience as “thrilling.” She lauded the “real heroes”—the coast guard, fishermen informers, and beach volunteers—who secure the borders while the state prepares to welcome the world.
The event was attended by high-ranking officials including DC TK Swaroopa, ZP CEO Prateek Bayal, and SP Hariram Shankar, marking a unified front in what the government calls a “rare and special” turning point for Karnataka’s 320-kilometer coastline.
