<p>Bengaluru: Karnataka wants to rope in the private sector to develop its coastal and riverine islands whose “vast untapped potential” can boost tourism and employment, according to the state’s new maritime policy. </p><p>The state has 106 islands along its 320-km coastline, according to the Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB). This includes one inhabited accessible island, 46 accessible uninhabited islands, 56 inaccessible uninhabited islands and some unnamed rocky islands. </p><p>With coastal tourism receiving “substantial traction”, the government sees an opportunity for its islands. Under the Karnataka Maritime Development Policy, the KMB will prepare an ‘Island Master Plan of Karnataka’.</p>.Now, frauds pose as I-T staff, con Bengaluru man of Rs 35L.<p>“Accordingly, a roadmap will be readied to holistically develop island infrastructure (including transportation, utilities and facilities) with an aim to boost tourism, employment and other ancillary activities at the coast (sic),” the policy states. </p><p>Some of the state’s islands include Netrani, Kanjigudda, Murdeshwar, St Mary’s and Ankola Koorve. </p><p>The policy, approved by the Cabinet last month, came into effect on January 1, 2025. This replaces the Karnataka Minor Ports Development Policy of 2014. The previous policy focussed on ports and logistics. “This new policy aims towards a comprehensive sustainable development through interventions across the maritime sector,” it states.</p><p>The government has notified 13 locations for maritime infrastructure development: Karwar, Belekeri, Keni, Tadri, Pavinakurve, Honnavar, Manki, Bhatkal, Kundapur, Hangarkatta, Malpe, Padubidri and Old Mangalore Port.</p><p>Besides, under the new policy, the government is looking at offering cruising and houseboat facilities on Kaveri, Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers.</p><p>In the luxury travel segment, the government is planning to develop coastal resorts and floating amusement parks to attract “high-spending tourists” and generate more revenue for local communities, according to the policy.</p><p>Apart from maritime-led tourism, the policy proposes greenfield port development, fisheries development, industrial development and near-shore wind farms for renewable energy, among others.</p><p>“The government has planned a coastal economic zone (CEZ) for petrochemicals to be established in Dakshina Kannada district under Sagarmala. One more CEZ is proposed to be established in the Uttara Kannada district,” the policy states.</p><p>“The thrust of the Maritime Development Policy shall be to encourage effective private participation and speedy implementation of the projects,” the policy underlines.</p>
<p>Bengaluru: Karnataka wants to rope in the private sector to develop its coastal and riverine islands whose “vast untapped potential” can boost tourism and employment, according to the state’s new maritime policy. </p><p>The state has 106 islands along its 320-km coastline, according to the Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB). This includes one inhabited accessible island, 46 accessible uninhabited islands, 56 inaccessible uninhabited islands and some unnamed rocky islands. </p><p>With coastal tourism receiving “substantial traction”, the government sees an opportunity for its islands. Under the Karnataka Maritime Development Policy, the KMB will prepare an ‘Island Master Plan of Karnataka’.</p>.Now, frauds pose as I-T staff, con Bengaluru man of Rs 35L.<p>“Accordingly, a roadmap will be readied to holistically develop island infrastructure (including transportation, utilities and facilities) with an aim to boost tourism, employment and other ancillary activities at the coast (sic),” the policy states. </p><p>Some of the state’s islands include Netrani, Kanjigudda, Murdeshwar, St Mary’s and Ankola Koorve. </p><p>The policy, approved by the Cabinet last month, came into effect on January 1, 2025. This replaces the Karnataka Minor Ports Development Policy of 2014. The previous policy focussed on ports and logistics. “This new policy aims towards a comprehensive sustainable development through interventions across the maritime sector,” it states.</p><p>The government has notified 13 locations for maritime infrastructure development: Karwar, Belekeri, Keni, Tadri, Pavinakurve, Honnavar, Manki, Bhatkal, Kundapur, Hangarkatta, Malpe, Padubidri and Old Mangalore Port.</p><p>Besides, under the new policy, the government is looking at offering cruising and houseboat facilities on Kaveri, Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers.</p><p>In the luxury travel segment, the government is planning to develop coastal resorts and floating amusement parks to attract “high-spending tourists” and generate more revenue for local communities, according to the policy.</p><p>Apart from maritime-led tourism, the policy proposes greenfield port development, fisheries development, industrial development and near-shore wind farms for renewable energy, among others.</p><p>“The government has planned a coastal economic zone (CEZ) for petrochemicals to be established in Dakshina Kannada district under Sagarmala. One more CEZ is proposed to be established in the Uttara Kannada district,” the policy states.</p><p>“The thrust of the Maritime Development Policy shall be to encourage effective private participation and speedy implementation of the projects,” the policy underlines.</p>
