Udupi: Karkala MLA V Sunil Kumar met chief minister DK Shivakumar and held detailed discussions on the comprehensive development of the Karkala assembly constituency and preparations for the forthcoming Mahamastakabhisheka of Lord Gomateshwara.The 10-day Mahamastakabhisheka, held once every 12 years, is scheduled to begin on Feb 18, 2027. With a large number of pilgrims and tourists from across the country and abroad expected to visit Karkala for the event, Sunil Kumar urged the chief minister to release a special grant for developing essential infrastructure and providing basic amenities in the town.Sunil Kumar also discussed the progress of development works, release of pending grants and administrative approval for new projects in the constituency.As the state cabinet has decided to hold its meeting in Mangaluru on Sept 18, the MLA urged the chief minister to use the opportunity to formulate permanent projects aimed at the comprehensive and long-term development of the coastal districts.He requested that proposals relating to the declaration of Tulu as the state’s second official language, promotion of tourism in Karkala and other coastal areas, Kambala, infrastructure, employment and irrigation be placed before the cabinet, along with the necessary grants and administrative approvals.In a statement, Sunil Kumar expressed confidence that the state govt would respond positively to the development projects required for the comprehensive growth of Karkala.Among the demands placed before the chief minister were a special grant for infrastructure and basic amenities in connection with the Mahamastakabhisheka of Lord Gomateshwara, special grants for road development within Karkala Municipality and rural areas, and the declaration of Tulu as the state’s second official language.Other demands included increased financial assistance for Kambala events in the coastal districts; development of the Karkala Parashurama Theme Park and promotion of tourism; development of the historic Ramasamudra Lake and its park; development of the Varanga Chaturmukha Kere Basadi; development of Koodlu Falls at Nadpalu village in Hebri taluk; improvement of roads; establishment of a handicrafts and furniture hub in Karkala to create self-employment opportunities for youth; upgrading the Hebri Community Health Centre into a 100-bed taluk hospital; construction of a new building for the Karkala Nursing College; development of the Karkala Textile Park project; and implementation of a lift irrigation project near Ikkoddu in Belanje village of Hebri taluk.
