Mangaluru: After facing a funding crunch for three years, the Coastal Development Authority (CDA) will be restructured as the Karavali Development Board (KDB) from the next financial year, with hopes of increased financial support.

The Karnataka cabinet approved the bill to rename the CDA as the Karavali Development Board on August 10, 2023, aligning it with the Bayaluseeme Development Board, Chitradurga; and Malnad Area Development Board, Shivamogga. This change is formalized under the Karavali Development Board Act, 2023, which received the Governor’s assent on April 5, 2024, and was published in the Karnataka Gazette on June 10, 2024.

The Karavali Development Board is set to begin operations on April 1, 2025, with its rules currently under review. A dedicated budget allocation is anticipated in the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Past Challenges

The reorganization is expected to address previous funding challenges faced by the CDA. In the fiscal year 2022-23, the CDA received a grant of Rs 30 crore, of which Rs 29.28 crore was utilized. However, in 2023-24, the allocation was reduced to Rs 10.50 crore, with only Rs 6.70 crore spent on various projects. The current fiscal year has seen a similar allocation of Rs 10.50 crore, with Rs 5.25 crore released by October, and Rs 3.88 crore allocated to ongoing projects. The remaining funds are awaited.

With the establishment of the KDB, there is optimism for increased funding, comparable to allocations for other regional development boards such as the Malnad Area Development Board and the Bayaluseeme Development Board, which receive Rs 43 crore and Rs 35 crore respectively.

Legal and Operational Strength

KDB’s jurisdiction covers the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada. With the restructuring, it is anticipated that the region will receive more focused attention and resources, addressing previous funding shortages and promoting sustainable development.

The KDB will operate under the Planning Department, similar to other regional development boards, and will have a more robust legal framework and administrative structure.

Board Structure

The Board comprises the following members:

• Chairperson: Appointed by the State Government.
• Members:
  • Members of the House of the People (Lok Sabha) and Karnataka State Legislative Assembly representing the Karavali area.
  • Members of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and Karnataka Legislative Council representing the Karavali area.
  • Presidents of the Zilla Panchayats of the districts within the Karavali area.
  • Two persons belonging to the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes, nominated by the Government.
  • Deputy Commissioners of the districts within the Karavali area.
• Secretary: An officer not below the rank of Divisional Commissioner, appointed by the State Government.

The Chairperson and other members appointed by the Government hold office for a period of three years.

The Board is tasked with preparing annual development plans, supervising project implementations, and coordinating with various development departments and local bodies to ensure the region’s comprehensive growth.

Increased Funding Expected

Currently, the Malnad Area Development Board and Bayaluseeme Area Development Board receive Rs 43 crore and Rs 35 crore, respectively, in the state budget. Similar allocations are expected for the Karavali Development Board, alleviating its funding issues.

“The Coastal Development Authority’s transformation into the Karavali Development Board will begin in the next financial year, with an official budget allocation announcement and president appointment expected soon.” – Dr. Sridhar I. B, Secretary, Coastal Development Authority

With inputs from Bharat Shettigar