Dakshina Kannada district minister U.T. Khader. Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara and Minister for Small Scale Industries and Public Enterprises Vijayanand S.
Kashappanavar releasing the poster for the project at a press conference held as part of the Mangaluru Cabinet meeting on Friday.
The 200-metre tower will be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model at an estimated cost of Rs 350 crore, according to a blueprint submitted to the Karnataka tourism department. He said the concept was inspired by iconic towers in other countries and that a blueprint was prepared nearly 18 months ago with the help of an architect.
Khader told TOI that the project was discussed at the Cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister DK Shivakumar . Khader said the project would help place Mangaluru on the global tourism map while boosting employment, trade and business in the region. He said these problems should be addressed before pursuing such a landmark development.
The project is envisioned as a major tourism attraction offering panoramic views of Mangaluru and its coastline. However, the proposal has drawn criticism from some quarters. Artist and environmentalist Dinesh Holla questioned the need for the project, pointing to the city’s unresolved issues, including poor roads, inadequate drainage, garbage management, water concerns and rising heat.
Deputy chief minister G Parameshwara, Dakshina Kannada district minister UT Khader and minister for Small Scale Industries and Public Enterprises Vijayanand S Kashappanavar unveiled the project poster during an event held as part of the Mangaluru Cabinet meeting on Friday.