A stark self-assessment from Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has spotlighted the state’s inability to capitalize on its coastal assets. During a high-profile forum, he confessed that the state has failed to utilize its coastline effectively. This 320-km stretch along the Arabian Sea promises riches in shipping and aquaculture, yet bureaucratic delays have kept it dormant. Shivakumar detailed how fragmented efforts have led to lost revenue, contrasting the situation with thriving coastal economies in neighboring states. Key bottlenecks include outdated infrastructure and neglected beaches. As Karnataka eyes a $1 trillion economy, coastal revival is now seen as a pivotal strategy for job creation.
