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Expressing its displeasure over the poor management of Pilikula Development Authority, the Karnataka Legislature Committee on Subordinate Legislation said here on Friday (July 24, 2026) that the authority has failed to tap the potential of Dr. Shivarama Karantha Pilikula Nisargadhama to promote it as an ecological and scientific research, educational, cultural and tourist destination.

At a meeting on ‘development of Pilikula’ presided over by Chairman of the committee and MLA S. R. Srinivas, the lawmakers said that the development of the nisargadhama by the authority, headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada H. V. Darshan, has been sidelined.

Speaking at the meeting, MLA Mantar Gowda questioned the authority for deviating from the purpose for which Pilikula Nisargadhama Society was established. “Is scientific research on ecological matters happening under the authority now ?” he asked.

The MLA’s question came when the Deputy Commissioner was explaining about the Pilikula Golf Club and water park projects. It may be mentioned here that the nisargadhama was created to promote the conservation, education, and study of the flora and fauna of the Western Ghats.

Poor coordination, PR

At the meeting, MLC K. Shivakumar said that there is no co-ordination among stakeholder government departments to promote and showcase attractions of Pilikula outside Mangaluru. “There is utter laziness and lethargy on the part of officials related to the authority,” the MLC said.

Expressing his concern Mr. Shivakumar said that if the lethargy continues nisargadhama might have to be closed down within the next decade.

Referring to poorly conceptualised science-related shows at Swami Vivekananda Planetarium at Pilikula, Mr. Shivakumar said: “It is better to close down the planetarium.” He suggested the authority to go for laser technology.

The MLC also questioned the officials of the authority for lagging behind in publicising the attractions at Pilikula to draw more footfalls. “The authority is very poor in public relations,” Mr. Shivakumar said suggesting the authority to hold at least three press conferences in a year and showcase the activities and attractions at Pilikula.

Lack of cultural activities

MLC T. A. Sharavana took the Tourism and Kannada and Culture departments to task for not holding any activities at Pilikula to attract tourists.

Mr. Shivakumar questioned the tourism department for organising programmes only during ‘Karavali Utsava’ and remaining idle for the remaining months. “Why can you not hold programmes at Pilikula during the remaining months,” he asked and suggested the authority to explore the possibility of holding Pilikula Utsava.

Mr. Sharavana asked Kannada and Culture Department to hold monthly cultural programmes at Pilikula.

Other members of the committee Deeraj Muniraju, Gurme Suresh Shetty, B Shivanna were present.

Published - July 24, 2026 06:16 pm IST