Bengaluru: Leading philanthropist and NRI entrepreneur Dr Ronald Colaco has submitted a comprehensive proposal to the Karnataka government seeking the creation of a high-level Karnataka Coastal Tourism & Commercial Development Task Force for the integrated development of the state’s coastal region.
The proposal, aimed at positioning Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada as internationally competitive destinations for tourism, hospitality, trade, investment and employment, was presented to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar by Minister K.H. Muniyappa and MLC Dr Arathi Krishna.
20–25-year coastal master plan proposed
Colaco has proposed an expert-led task force comprising professionals from town planning, tourism, infrastructure, environment, ports, transport, finance and industry, along with NRI representatives.
The proposed body would prepare a 20–25-year Integrated Coastal Tourism and Commercial Development Master Plan, identifying areas suitable for sustainable development and creating a common framework for infrastructure and investment.
The proposal envisages world-class waterfronts, marinas, promenades, tourism villages, resorts, convention centres, water transport, commercial hubs and logistics infrastructure in suitable coastal locations.
Focus on environment and sewage management
A key component of the proposal is environmentally responsible development. It calls for protection of mangroves, wetlands, forests, beaches and other ecologically sensitive areas, while ensuring zero untreated sewage discharge into the sea and backwaters.
The proposal also recommends modern sewage treatment plants, wastewater recycling, improved drainage systems and continuous monitoring of water quality.
Colaco has suggested studying coastal development models followed by Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Spain and Italy and adapting relevant practices to Karnataka’s environmental, legal and social conditions.
NRI investment, local jobs in focus
The proposal seeks to attract investment from NRIs and Kannadigas based in the Gulf, Europe, North America and other global markets. It also envisages employment and business opportunities for local youth, fishermen, farmers, artisans, women entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Colaco has stressed that the proposal is not intended to dilute environmental safeguards, but to modernise them while enabling sustainable tourism, investment and employment in scientifically suitable areas.
Under the proposed model, the government would undertake master planning and infrastructure creation, while private investors could participate in individual projects within a common long-term development framework.
The initiative, if taken forward, could provide a coordinated framework for unlocking the tourism and economic potential of Coastal Karnataka while seeking to balance development with environmental sustainability.
