Mangaluru, Feb 26: Minister of state for youth empowerment and sports KC Narayana Gowda on Friday, February 26 laid the foundation stone for various developmental works of Coastal Development Authority at the cost of Rs 2.5 crore under the limits of Mangaluru City Corporation. 

 

Speaking on the occasion here at a private hotel, KC Narayana Gowda said, "There are over 2.5 crore youths in the state, hence the department has planned to empower the youth in sports and make them competitive so that they can take part in the national and international level sports. Importance will be given to developing youth in sports under the Khelo India programme."

 

 

 

He also recalled how he strived to establish a hotel industry in Mumbai. 

MLA Vedavyas Kamath speaking during the occasion urged the minister to allot as much grant possible from the state sports fund for Dakshina Kannada district in the upcoming budget.

He also said that several youths from the district have brought laurels to the district by taking part in national and international level sports.

"There is a proposal to construct a sports complex at the cost of Rs 25 crore in the city. Proposals have been sent to the union government for a well-fledged volleyball court near Mangala Stadium. A swimming pool is going to come up at a cost of Rs 17 crore in the city. Giving importance to Kusti there is a plan to set up a Kusti court," Kamath said.

He also requested the minister to provide employment to the youth who have excelled in sports in the Karnataka government.

Chairman of Coastal Development Authority, Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde said that the department has undertaken various developmental works in the three districts including the construction of fish markets, development of beaches, and road works.

He also said that the Coastal Authority has a plan to plant the pink peppercorn on the highways. At a cost of Rs 2 crore, there is a plan to project art of the coastal Karnataka on Kaup beach lighthouse. The authority has constructed 120-ft bridges in various villages. There is also a demand to construct 240 bridges in various villages.

Hegde also said that he will urge the state government to allot Rs 500 crore to the coastal development authority in the upcoming budget.

Mayor Diwakar Pandeshwar, deputy mayor, Vedavathi, MLC Pratap Simha Nayak and others were present.