The inordinate delay in completion of tourism development projects in the district was brought to light in a review meeting of the newly constituted District Tourism Committee at the deputy commissioner’s office on Tuesday.
Tourism Department Assistant Director Krishnamurthy said that of the total 36 tourism projects that are taken up in the district, 10 projects have been completed, work on 14 projects is under progress and 12 projects are yet to commence.
Taking exception at the delay in work progress, Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim who chaired the meeting, directed the department officials either to finish the work or cancel the projects. Though all the projects are three years old, the progress achieved is not satisfactory. The department has failed to complete even the minor projects like development facilities in religious places, he said.
He was refering to the pending works of Kadri and Subramanya temples. Rs 1.19 crore each has been sanctioned for providing tourist facilities in Kadri and Subramanya.
MLA J R Lobo questioned the department officials and Nirmithi Kendra project director for the slow progress on the construction of Sulthan Batteri - Thannirbavi hanging bridge.
Though the foundation stone was laid for the project in 2009, the work commenced in 2013, January. Even after one year of the commencement of the work, there has been no much progress, he said. Tourism Assistant Director said that the minister has directed to hand over the work from Nirmithi Kendra to PWD and the proposal is yet to receive the cabinet approval.
Golf course
The Deputy Commissioner directed the officials to speed up the preparatory arrangements for the proposed golf course and aqua marine park in Thannirbavi in Bolur and Bengre villages. A total of 155 acre land has been reserved for the purpose but there was delay in conversion of the land in RTC, Krishnamurthy said.
The MLA batted for preparing a comprehensive tourism plan for the district, than planning as various components. A proposal on the same has to be submitted to the government portraying Mangalore as a potential tourism destination which will allow more funds for tourism development. He also suggested for upgrading Coastal Development Authority and make it a partner with the tourism department. A proposal has been submitted to the government in this regard, he said.
Tourism stakeholders demanded the district administration to prepare a detailed tourism brochure of Dakshina Kannada district. The department official admitted that there was no exclusive brochure for DK, and the brochure that is circulated comprises of information on DK and Udupi.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Dayanand, Mangalore City Corporation Commissioner Ajith Kumar Hegde and others were present.
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