Mangaluru: Nov 27, 2014, DHNS:
Coastal Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Nivedith Alva has said that the State government will develop 44 beaches from Mangaluru to Karavar.
A letter has been written to the Centre requesting relaxation from CRZ norms for development works. He was speaking to media persons after taking charge as the new chairman of CDA for next 18 months, at the CDA office here on Thursday.
Nivedith Alva said that he has already discussed the issue with Tourism Minister R V Deshpande. Beaches in Goa and Pondicherry are developed into international standards as they don’t have any norms. “As the CM himself holds finance and planning portfolios, there is no problem for budgetary allocations. We will prepare plans and meet the CM before the budget,” he said.
Nivedith Alva said that the process of appointment of directors for CDA would be completed within two-three weeks and the first full-fledged meeting will be convened soon. He said that the website of the authority will be updated at the earliest and prominence will be given to the opinion of the public, who know the ground reality, during his tenure.
“Many people from coastal districts are in West Asian countries and we can take ideas from them about development. Moreover, though I am from Sirsi, I want to be in the field than in the office. Deputy Commissioners of three districts come in the CDA body. It is a great opportunity for me to work with them and senior officials. I have to prove myself in this short duration,” he said.
‘Organise investors’ meet’
Speaking on the occasion, MLA J R Lobo, the one who played major role in the formation of CDA, agreed that the Authority has failed to meet the objectives. Meanwhile, he said that the CDA is quite different from other corporations which just distributes the government funds for development funds. Here, the authority gets fund only for the appointment of consultants and prepare project report. “So, the CDA can plan on organising investors’ meet, wherein investors can be roped in for the development of port, tourism places etc. CDA is meant to work on major projects. So, we concentrate one or two projects at a time,” he suggested.
About chairman
Nivedith Alva has worked as television producer. He has directed ‘Indian Idol’ for four years and Zee TV ‘Sa Re Ga Ma’ for five years. He was also an active member of the Congress party from several years. Starting from the Youth Congress, he joined KPCC and worked as Secretary for three and half years.
“Though my mother and grandfather were also in politics, the party considered my work and gave this opportunity to get the experience of administration,” he said.
Alva completed his BA in History in St Peter’s College, New Delhi and PG in Journalism at London.
Mayor Mahabala Marla, CDA Secretary Pradeep D’Souza and MUDA former chairman Suresh Ballal among others were present.
DH News Service.
Courtesy: Deccan Herald