The Karnataka state government is prepared to establish a mini airport in Kodagu district and is willing to purchase at least 120 acres of flat land near Madikeri from private owners at market rates if available, announced Madikeri MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda.
He was addressing a seminar and interaction program on tourism and development in Kodagu district, organized by the Karnataka State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) at Mahindra Resort near Madikeri.
The MLA informed that while land was earlier identified in ChikkaAluwara near Kushalnagar, it was found unsuitable. If flat land near Madikeri becomes available, the government will acquire it for the project. He also mentioned plans to establish heliports at four locations in Kodagu district.
Highlighting issues in the tourism sector, Dr. Gowda said that many homestays are operating without proper licenses, causing inconvenience to tourists, and called for stricter tourism regulations.
Regarding the proposed Mysuru-Kushalnagar railway project, he said that while the state government has not yet given its approval on financial grounds, Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna is in discussion with the state government to move the project forward.
The MLA added that Rs. 700-800 crore will be spent on widening the Madikeri-Donigal road via Kodlipete. He also announced that Rs. 10.56 crore has been sanctioned for purchasing cardiac treatment equipment at the Madikeri District Hospital, which will significantly improve healthcare for heart patients in Kodagu.
He further stated that Rs. 50 crore has been allocated for repairing rain-damaged roads in the district, though the work has been delayed due to continued rainfall.
Speaking at the event, FKCCI President Uma Reddy highlighted that during her tenure, the Manthan program was launched and that plans are underway to train about 2,500 students across the state. She mentioned that Karnataka currently has around 7 lakh MSMEs and that the organization aims to increase the number to 10 lakh.
Uma Reddy also pointed out that most entrepreneurs are dependent on Bengaluru, and FKCCI plans to collaborate with the government to promote industries across the state under the Beyond Bangalore initiative.
Speaking on behalf of the Kodagu District Chamber of Commerce, former president G. Chidvilas said the district has faced continuous rains for six months, severely damaging roads. He urged FKCCI to press the government for special funds to repair them. He also called for expediting the delayed Mysuru-Madikeri National Highway project.
Chidvilas emphasized the need to promote Kodagu tourism across the country to encourage sustainable and eco-friendly tourism. He reiterated the longstanding demand for Kodagu to be made a separate Lok Sabha constituency, independent from Dakshina Kannada and Mysuru.
He stressed that only eco-friendly industries should be permitted in the district and recommended setting up IT and BT institutions to generate local employment opportunities.
Kodagu Planters Association Executive Committee Member K.K. Vishwanath highlighted transport challenges faced by coffee growers, explaining that it is difficult to move produce from Kushalnagar to New Mangalore Port during the monsoon, resulting in high logistics costs. He urged FKCCI to push for the development of all-weather roads suitable for heavy vehicle movement.
Executive Board Member Pradeep Poovaiah noted that 70 percent of India’s coffee exports pass through Kushalnagar, underscoring the need for smooth road connectivity to New Mangalore Port.
Kodagu Planters Association President Nanda Belliappa supported the call for eco-friendly IT and BT companies to invest in Kodagu. He also mentioned that although new roads are being built, they deteriorate quickly due to poor drainage infrastructure.
FKCCI Senior Vice President Sai Ram Prasad welcomed the gathering, Secretary Prakash delivered the keynote address, and SKCCI Immediate Past President M.G. Balakrishna, Director K.B. Girish Ganapathy, Kodagu District Chamber of Commerce General Secretary Monti Ganesh, and State Director Hiremath were present.
On the occasion, the Kodagu District Chamber of Commerce felicitated State President Uma Reddy, Senior Vice President Sai Ram Prasad, Immediate Past President M.G. Balakrishna, and MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda.
