Mangalore : Minister for Higher Education and Tourism R V Deshpande said that, state government proposes to prepare a new tourism policy and introduce Tourism Facilitation Act, to encourage tourism potential in the State.

He was speaking at a meeting held to discuss tourism development in three coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada and Udupi districts on September 8, Sunday.

Based on suggestions of experts, the department has framed the draft of a new tourism policy, which is available on the tourism department website and the general public can post their views and suggestion to it, he said.

He also said that, the department will formulate Tourism Facilitation Act to bring transparency in the system and to facilitate the tourists with good infrastructure.

The Minister also declared to release Rs five crore in the first phase for the development of old port area in city in order to give a facelift to the old deputy commissioner’s office by converting it as a museum and inclusion of art gallery to retain its heritage significance.

He said that Central government has sanctioned the fund of Rs 50 crore for the development of 21 beaches in Karnataka with an aim to develop tourism in coastal areas. The department will provide basic infrastructure in the beaches while the private parties must encourage by introducing resorts, water sports and others.

An order has been passed to appoint a tourism consultant in each district and the process of appointment has begun.

Minister informed that tourism projects cannot be developed to high level up due to tight regulation. Hence Tourism department has written to the Union Environment and Forest Ministry to relax CRZ rules up to 90 metres in 44 beaches in coastal Karnataka, he said.

Tourism Advisory Group led by Ramadas Kamath presented the idea of developing three beaches in Panambur, Malpe and Karwar with world class facilities.

State Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader explained the problems of sea erosion and encroachment of coast to be taken care off before taking up development works in beaches.

District-in-Charge Minister BRamanath Rai, MLA J R lobo, MLC Ivan D’Souza and others were present.