Kundapur: Stretching over 320 km along coastal Karnataka, there exist untapped opportunities for tourism development along the coast. The state government is earnestly considering beach development in the region and has decided to implement the project through a public-private partnership (PPP) model, announced State Law, Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation, and Tourism Minister H.K. Patil.

Minister Patil addressed questions from the media during his visit to Kundapur on Sunday, where he participated in a program organized by the Beary’s Group Education Institute. He highlighted that no previous government has given due emphasis to beach development, and the current initiative includes the study of beach development, including the incorporation of adventure water sports. A meeting of experts is scheduled to take place at the end of January or the first week of February to discuss the project further.

The proposed plan envisions the development of 320 km of coastal Karnataka in three phases, with a target to conclude by next March or April. Minister Patil stated that a decision on the project's specifics will be made within the next 2-3 months. The meeting will identify the nature of the development, paving the way for the next steps.

In response to a question regarding the establishment of a center for the proper treatment of injured cuttlefish, which come to Cody Beach in large numbers to lay their eggs, Minister Patil expressed his awareness of the issue. He mentioned plans to convene a meeting with officials from the Forest Department and, if necessary, the Animal Husbandry Department to address this matter in the first phase as quickly as possible.

Regarding a provocative statement made by Uttara Kannada MP Anantha Kumar, the minister criticized such singular speeches that provoke people and insult ideas, stating that they reflect the culture of the party making such statements.