NEWS: The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the development of 12 coastal and river islands under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to boost eco-tourism across Mangaluru, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada.

Overview

• Objective -> Develop 12 islands, including river islands, to make coastal Karnataka a world-class tourist destination.
• Leadership -> Announced by Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara. Execution & Funding
• Model -> Public-Private Partnership (PPP) through Design-Build-Finance-Transfer (DBFOT) mode.
• Lease Period -> 30 months for approvals, followed by 30 years including construction.
• Revenue -> 2% minimum revenue share plus an annual lease fee and local jobs. Key Project Locations & Investments
• North & South Kudrus (Mangaluru) -> Investment of ₹125.43 crore; features a 30-berth marina and 32 nature huts.
• Uttara Kannada Islands -> Seven islands in Karwar, Bhatkal, and Ankola with an investment of ₹307.71 crore.
• Udupi Eco-Tourism Islands -> Development of Ayaba, Dariya Bahadurgad, and Malpe islands at ₹279.03 crore.
• Mangaluru Lighthouse Area -> Tourism and hospitality infrastructure with 35 rooms at a ₹60.34 crore investment