CM Shivakumar Pushes Single-Window System to Boost Coastal Tourism Investment
The actor said improved facilities for film shooting would benefit the film industries of Karnataka, Kerala and Goa.
Bengaluru:Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday said the state government would hold a Cabinet meeting in the coastal region, and directed officials to resolve technical issues affecting tourism and investment projects ahead of it.Chairing a meeting on coastal tourism at Vidhana Soudha, he instructed officials to prepare a report within 15 to 20 days on technical obstacles arising from Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms and issues related to the Forest Department, identifying both problems and possible solutions.
Stressing the need to facilitate investments, the CM said, "We must create smooth and simple pathways for investors; departmental hurdles faced by entrepreneurs must be resolved."
He directed officials to promote the culture, traditions, customs and heritage of the coastal region at the international level, while giving priority to employment generation and economic growth, the CM's office said in a statement.
According to officials, 45 projects with an estimated investment of Rs 718.63 crore have been approved under the Karnataka Tourism Policy. These projects are expected to generate about 4,500 jobs.
The CM said employment generation should increase further.
Noting that Karnataka has one of the country's longest coastlines, Shivakumar asked officials to explore tourism development opportunities in coastal areas without causing environmental damage.
The CM expressed support for introducing a single-window system to secure the various approvals required for development projects, ensuring that technical hurdles do not impede progress.
Officials told the meeting that coastal tourism has been identified as a special sector under the state's tourism plans.
Tourism zones and large-scale tourism projects are being planned, while coastal fairs, festivals and marketing initiatives will be promoted.
Shivakumar emphasised the need to provide incentives such as subsidies, interest subsidies and concessions to help achieve the government's objectives and attract investments.
Actor and filmmaker Rishab Shetty, who was also part of the meeting, called for greater importance to be given to the arts and said coastal folk arts and music should be encouraged.
The actor said improved facilities for film shooting would benefit the film industries of Karnataka, Kerala and Goa.
Industrialists who attended the meeting urged the CM to focus on the development of heli-tourism in the coastal region.
