BJP Legislators in Karnataka Promote Coastal Tourism Amidst Controversy

Mangaluru: In the aftermath of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep and the controversial remarks made by Mauritius Ministers, Karnataka's BJP legislators have embarked on a campaign to showcase the picturesque beach tourism spots in the state.

Coastal Karnataka, renowned for its beach tourism, has witnessed a significant increase in tourist numbers over the years. Beyond traditional water sports and beach games, activities such as Scuba Diving, Mangrove Kayaking, and surfing have gained prominence in recent years.

The introduction of blue flag beaches has further heightened the allure. The beaches, notably frequented on weekends and holidays, become a hotspot for those visiting temples in the region.

Dakshina Kannada MP and former BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel expressed the enchanting allure of the Karnataka coast on social media.

"Who doesn't love the beach? Our Panambur, Tannirbhavi, Someshwar, Surathkal, etc., in Dakshina Kannada are like heaven for tourists," he posted accompanied by the hashtags #IncredibleIndia and #DakshinaKannada.

Kota Srinivas Poojary, the Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council highlighted popular beaches like Malpe, Kaup, Maravanthe, Padubidri in Udupi, Panambur, Tannirbhavi, Someshwar, Surathkal in Mangaluru, and Murudeshwar and Karwar in Uttara Kannada.

He urged renewed promotion of these tourist destinations as a patriotic response to recent comments from Maldives.

Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna shared an enticing video of Malpe beach, questioning the need to visit the Maldives when India offers beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage tourism destinations.

Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP and Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje reposted a message from Virendra Sehwag, highlighting the potential of unexplored places in India.

Sehwag had posted a message on X which read "Whether it be the beautiful beaches of Udupi , Paradise Beach in Pondi, Neil and Havelock in Andaman, and many other beautiful beaches throughout our country, there are so many unexplored places in Bharat which have so much potential with some infrastructure support. Bharat is knowing for converting all Aapda into Avsar, and this dig at our country and our Prime Minister by Maldives ministers is a great Avsar for Bharat to create just the necessary infrastructure to make them attractive to tourists and boost our economy. Please do name your favourite unexplored beautiful places."

Byndoor MLA Gururaj Gantihole lauded Sehwag’s message.

"Thank you Virendra Sehwag for highlighting the marvelous Maravanthe in Byndoor, Kundapura in Udupi. Please visit our places and enjoy the culture of coastal Karnataka, temples, Ghats across Udupi. Together we make it a destination for the whole world. We welcome you,” he stated on X with a hashtag #WelecomeSehwag.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle Yathish Baikampady, former CEO of Panambur Beach Tourism Development Project, emphasized the opportune moment to boost beach tourism in the region.

He suggested starting a tourist liner from Mangaluru to Lakshadweep, which, in turn, would attract tourists from North India and contribute to the region's economic growth. Baikampady also advocated for beach replenishing projects and measures to promote fish breeding under the Sagar Mala initiative.

"If there is a rise in fish breeding, traditional fishing will see an increase. With heightened activity, efforts to protect the beach will follow, contributing to the overall cleanliness of the beach. A pristine beach, in turn, will attract numerous tourists eager to partake in this experience. It creates a cyclical effect," he emphasized.