Udupi: Min Hebbalkar asks citizens to support govt plan to development tourism in coastal districts
Republic Day celebrations held at St. Mary’s Island
Udupi: District In-charge Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar said that the government was planning to develop tourism in the entire coastal belt in a new manner, including the various islands in Udupi district, as it will draw tourists to not only the coastal district and the state but the entire country.
The minister, who spoke after hoisting the flag at St Mary’s Island during the 77th Republic Day celebrations on Monday, said that the 116 islands in Karnataka, including St Mary’s Island, had been neglected by the administration so far.
“We have failed in utilizing the wonderful resources in these islands. A day-long conference was held in Mangaluru recently to discuss development of tourism in coastal Karnataka, with the Chief Minister, Deputy CM, representatives of all coastal districts and officers concerned attending the conference,” she added.
Hebbalkar called upon the people to support the government in its venture and asked for suggestions and guidance from the people to ensure tourism in the coastal district is successful.
She expressed pride in getting an opportunity to hoist the national flag at the largest island in Karnataka, and reminisced, “When I first arrived here, I inspected the 11 boats that were a part of the Coast Guard force. The experience was thrilling and unforgettable.”
Citing various forces that guard the coast, citizens who work as informers, and volunteers who clean beaches, among others, Hebbalkar called them the true patriots and heroes of the nation as they strive for the welfare and security of the nation sidelining their own safety. “However, please pay attention to your safety while fulfilling your duties diligently,” she requested them.
MLC Channaraj Hattiholi, Karavali Development Board President MA Gafur, District Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee President Ashok Kumar Kodavoor, Deputy Commissioner TK Swaroopa, Zilla Panchayat CEO Prathik Bayal, Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar and others were present on the occasion.
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Lost a good friend; void cannot be filled: Fadnavis mourns Ajit Pawar’s passing
Mumbai (PTI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday described Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s tragic death in a plane crash as unbelievable, and said he had lost a good friend.
Fadnavis said “today” (January 28) will be a government holiday and there will be a three-day state mourning as a mark of respect to Pawar.
Ajit Pawar’s death has left a void that will never be filled, he said. “After working closely together, it is unbelievable that he is no more,” Fadnavis said.
Talking to reporters, Fadnavis described Pawar as a people’s leader who knew the state well and had a deep understanding of the issues in Maharashtra. He said it takes several years to build and establish such leadership.
Fadnavis said he had apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the tragedy. The CM said he had also spoken with Ajit Pawar’s cousin Supriya Sule and his son Parth Pawar.
“Both (Deputy CM) Eknath Shinde and I are leaving for Baramati now. Once their entire family gathers in Baramati, we will share further details,” he said.
The entire state stands by Pawar’s family and his party NCP in this hour of grief, he added.
Ajit Pawar, 66, and four other persons were killed after an aircraft carrying them crashed in Maharashtra’s Pune district on Wednesday morning, officials said. The incident occurred when the plane carrying Pawar and others landed near Baramati, they said.
Several state BJP leaders, including Ashish Shelar, Ravindra Chavan and Chandrashekhar Bawankule, expressed deep grief over Pawar’s passing.
“This heart-wrenching incident has left the mind numb. Maharashtra has lost an experienced, dutiful and resolute leader,” state minister Shelar said.
Pawar left a distinct imprint on the state’s politics through his strong grip over administration, decisiveness and relentless drive for Maharashtra’s all-round progress. “Firmness, discipline, punctuality and tireless dedication were defining aspects of his personality,” he said.
BJP state president Ravindra Chavan said Maharashtra’s politics was unimaginable without Pawar. He said Pawar was known as a dynamic leader with a powerful command over administration and an unwavering focus on the state’s comprehensive development.
He said Pawar held the record for serving the longest tenure as deputy CM in the state’s history and left an indelible mark while handling key portfolios such as irrigation, energy and finance. “With his passing, Maharashtra has lost a firm, disciplined, punctual and indefatigable leader. This void can never be filled,” Chavan said.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule described Pawar as a senior friend and guide. “Even now, it is difficult to accept that this tragedy has really happened,” he said. Pawar would be remembered as a true people’s leader who gave clear direction and unstoppable momentum to Maharashtra’s all-round development, Bawankule said.
Recalling Pawar’s immense administrative experience, Bawankule said he had personally sought the NCP leader’s advice on several occasions.
“The loss of Ajitdada is not merely the departure of one leader; it is a profound loss for Maharashtra itself. The nation has lost a visionary statesman, and I have lost a dear elder friend and guide,” Bawankule said, adding that the reality of Pawar no longer being among them felt impossible to accept.
VIDEO | Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis expresses grief over the demise of Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in an aircraft crash. He says, “This morning, a very tragic incident occurred. In extremely unforeseen circumstances, the news of the unfortunate demise of our state’s deputy chief… pic.twitter.com/sKIKJ5FvRW
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 28, 2026
