On Thursday, the Aam Aadmi Party district committee demanded that the central government amend the Constitution by adding Tulu language to its eighth amendment, and used a press conference at the Mangalore Press Club to denounce several state tourism projects.
The Karnataka government recently declared Tulu as the second official language, but limited the status to Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. While AAP welcomed the move, party leaders argued that the decision falls short of providing the language with proper legal protection.
AAP state vice‑president Viveka Nanda Stalins listed a series of costly initiatives: a 3‑star hotel near the lighthouse worth Rs 60.34 crore, development of Gurupura river and islands costing Rs 125.34 crore, a river‑front project at Koodikal for Rs 73 crore, a glamping and sea‑experience centre at Tannirbhavi Beach valued at Rs 53 crore, an adventure‑entertainment scheme at Maravanthe Beach for Rs 48 crore, and a resort plan in Chickmagalur slated at Rs 64 crore. Stalins asserted that none of these schemes guarantee permanent employment for local residents.
The party pointed out that the plans were approved without open dialogue with coastal communities and warned that large‑scale construction on twelve ecologically sensitive islands across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada could damage fragile ecosystems. Frequent drowning incidents in Niri were also cited as evidence of inadequate safety measures.
Instead of pouring money into cement‑heavy structures, AAP suggested investing in training local lifeguards and promoting adventure sports such as kayaking, scuba diving, surfing, snorkeling, zip‑lining and trekking. The party noted that no funds have been earmarked for these activities.
Stalins added that the government provides no assistance for medical tourism, the Tulu film industry, Yakshagana or local theatre artists, and that tourism minister K.J. George has not clarified how the announced projects will generate jobs.
Calling for an end to unnecessary construction spending, AAP said it is prepared to discuss viable tourism alternatives with district tourism minister U.T. Khader in a public forum. Present at the briefing were district organisational secretary S.L. Pinto, D.K. district women’s cell president Seema Madival, district secretary Vasudev, Kabir Katipal, Gavin D. Soj and Nina Rai.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati DK