Bengaluru: Karnataka’s 320-km coastline has long remained one of the state’s most underutilised tourism assets, eclipsed by the beaches of Goa and Kerala despite boasting pristine shores, rich biodiversity and immense tourism potential. Hoping to reverse that trend, the state govt has decided to prepare customised tourism master plans for every beach where development is permitted under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms, with the aim of creating more Blue Flag-standard, globally competitive destinations.Tourism minister K J George, who chaired a departmental review meeting on Tuesday, directed officials to undertake a comprehensive assessment of all tourism-permissible beaches along the coast and map their individual strengths, infrastructure gaps and investment potential instead of adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.The exercise marks the state’s first concerted effort to scientifically evaluate the tourism potential of Karnataka’s coastline, which offers vast opportunities for beach tourism, marine adventure sports, wellness tourism, eco-tourism and hospitality investments but has remained largely untapped despite CRZ regulations permitting tourism-related development in several coastal stretches.Karnataka currently has three Blue Flag-certified beaches — Padubidri in Udupi district, Kasarkod in Uttara Kannada district and Tannirbhavi in Dakshin Kannada district — recognised for meeting stringent international standards of water quality, cleanliness, safety, environmental management and sustainable tourism practices.
A scenic view of Ottinene Beach in Udupi district, where the Sowparnika River meets the Arabian Sea, making it one of Karnataka’s most picturesque coastal destinations.
Officials have been directed to assess each beach on parameters such as road connectivity, existing infrastructure, tourism appeal, environmental sensitivity, investment prospects and its potential to generate employment and economic activity for local communities. Based on the findings, the govt will prepare separate tourism development master plans for every beach, identifying suitable tourism activities, infrastructure requirements, visitor amenities and opportunities for private investment.“Every beach in Karnataka has its own identity and tourism potential. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, we will prepare destination-specific development plans,” tourism secretary Ram Prasath Manohar said.The initiative is also expected to help more Karnataka beaches qualify for the prestigious Blue Flag certification, an internationally recognised eco-label awarded to beaches that meet rigorous standards of water quality, environmental management, safety, accessibility and visitor facilities.George instructed officials to ensure that development remains environmentally sustainable, with every master plan tailored to the ecological sensitivity and carrying capacity of the respective beach. “The objective is not merely to develop beaches but to transform Karnataka’s coastline into a globally competitive tourism destination that balances economic growth with environmental conservation while creating livelihoods for coastal communities,” he said.
