Priyank Kharge says BJP's Gujarat Model ‘fake’, calls Karnataka emerging model of development
Bengaluru: Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge has criticized the much-touted Gujarat model championed by BJP leaders, calling it a "fake model." In a post on the social media platform X on Friday, Kharge highlighted the rejection of Uttar Pradesh (UP) as a model state due to its focus on divisiveness, contrasting it with Karnataka's development-oriented approach.
Kharge emphasized that the "Karnataka Model" is now emerging as a genuine example of development. He pointed out that a delegation of transport officials from Uttar Pradesh recently visited the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) to study the efficient functioning of Karnataka's transport system and learn about the innovative practices adopted by the state's transport department.
"The term 'guarantee' that others have borrowed reflects how the Karnataka model has inspired not just various states across the country but also the central government and Prime Minister Modi himself," Kharge stated.
Kharge also highlighted Karnataka's leading positions in several sectors, asserting, "We are already No. 1 in the fields of IT, BT, public transport systems, financial systems, and tax collection. Our government is making sincere efforts to position Karnataka as a model state for the country in many areas.”
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One-third of Karnataka’s coastal areas at risk of erosion: Report
Bengaluru: A recent study commissioned by the Karnataka government has revealed that 28% of the state's 328.55-km coastline is experiencing high levels of erosion. The report, submitted by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management to the Environment Department, shows that the length of eroding stretches has more than doubled, from 43.7 km in 1990 to 91.6 km in 2024.
Titled Shoreline Management Plan Along Karnataka Coast, the report highlights the impact of increased sediment barriers and upstream activities on coastal erosion. It also calls for the adoption of nature-based solutions to counter the effects of climate change and human activities.
District-wise findings
The coastline of Uttara Kannada, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada spans 328.55 km, with varying levels of erosion across the districts:
Uttara Kannada: Although 28% of its 193-km coastline is eroded, the district accounts for 39% of the state’s total erosion due to increased coastal development.
Udupi: Despite 43% of the coastline being protected by seawalls, 38% remains affected by erosion, contributing to 32% of Karnataka's overall erosion.
Dakshina Kannada: The district’s 37-km coastline faces “critical” erosion, with 39% of its stretches severely impacted, including areas such as Uchil and Batapady.
The report warns that coastal erosion threatens habitations, estuarine environments, mangroves, mudflats, and fish landing areas.
Recommendations
Identifying 44 critical erosion zones, the report suggests:
1. Beach nourishment through sand replenishment.
2. Rehabilitation of sand dunes and bioshields.
3. Mangrove afforestation to stabilise coastlines and support fisheries.
The findings will inform the Karnataka-Strengthening Coastal Resilience and the Economy (K-SHORE) project, which prioritises nature-based solutions over hard approaches like seawalls. R Gokul, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, stated that the Rs 840-crore project will focus on mangrove planting, beach nourishment, and tackling plastic pollution. These measures aim to protect the coastline and boost the blue economy.
The report will also guide the Karnataka State Coastal Zone Management Authority in reviewing coastal development proposals.
