Mangalore, 18 September 2026 – Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that a draft notification will be issued within a month to collect public opinion on re‑designating Dakshina Kannada as a Mangalore district. The move, he said, respects local traditions and customs while giving residents a voice in the decision.
Shivakumar highlighted the city’s national reputation and emotional significance for the coastal community. He added that any demands or objections will be examined against economic viability and legal parameters before a final decision is taken.
Tourism policy will be split between the Malnad hills and the coastal belt, creating separate strategies for each zone. In parallel, the government plans to launch a Marine Blue Economy University, and steps are under way to establish new units of Kidwai and Jayadev hospitals.
For the first time, a full cabinet meeting was held outside Bangalore, underscoring the administration’s commitment to serve every district. Shivakumar expressed gratitude to the people of the coastal districts for voicing their aspirations, noting contributions from fishermen, the Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Credai.
Key projects outlined during the meeting include a five‑acre site near Kadri Park earmarked for the “Mangalore I” development, a dedicated tourism city at Gurupur, and a ten‑acre parcel at Badag Ekkaruvin for the Tirumal Venkateswara temple TTID. Additional allocations cover 151 crore rupees for ballot‑box procurement ahead of gram panchayat elections and a 30‑crore modern fish‑market complex at Ekku.
Present at the session were Dakshina Kannada district minister U.T. Khader, Udupi district minister Rizwan Arshad, and Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai. Administrative clearance was granted for coastal‑development schemes totaling 32,611 crore rupees, of which 16,000 crore will fund rural‑road upgrades.
The cabinet will review the public feedback before finalising the district reorganisation, aiming to balance development goals with the region’s cultural fabric.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati DK