The State government has set up the Cauvery Tourism Development Authority to develop the tourism potential of Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Kodagu and parts of Ramanagaram districts.
Minister for Tourism R.V. Deshpande said in reply to a question raised by JD(S) MLC Sandesh Nagaraj in the Council on Friday that the government had set aside an initial amount of Rs. 1 crore for it. Besides, a Rs. 60-crore proposal had been sent to the Centre to improve facilities in Mysuru, Mandya, Kodagu and Chamarajanagar as part of the Cauvery Mega Tourism Circuit. A detailed project report is being prepared, the Minister said.
The government has decided to open 46 tourist destinations to corporates to manage. Seven to eight corporate houses have shown interest. Mr. Deshpande said 319 destinations have been identified in the State for tourism promotion.
Unchecked growth of resorts and homestays near forest areas is a concern, he said, stressing the need to balance environmental concerns and tourism. The Department of Tourism would identify places where private resorts could be set up and the proposal would be sent to the Forest Department for clearance, he added.
