Tourism in Cauvery belt, coastal region likely to get a boost

The State government has proposed two projects that are awaiting Centre’s approval. FILE PHOTO: H.S. Manjunath

The government has proposed two projects worth Rs. 50-crore each to boost tourism in the Cauvery basin and the coastal region of the State.

An official in the Tourism Department told The Hindu that funds would be sought from the Centre, which is expected to clear both the proposals soon.

The government has decided to constitute a Cauvery River Tourism Development Authority (CRTDA) to develop tourism-related infrastructure in Mandya, Mysore, Chamarajanagar and Kodagu districts.

The proposed CRTDA will be tasked with developing tourism from Bhagamandala in Kodagu to Hogenakkal Falls, along the path of the Cauvery.

The development authority will provide accommodation for tourists in Talakad, showcase silk products in Kollegal, illuminate Srirangapatna Fort, and install sound and lighting in Gaganachukki and Bharachukki Falls of Mandya district.

“The Cauvery basin will become a tourist paradise if we provide good infrastructure at the towering hills, monuments, temples, palaces and wildlife sanctuaries,” the official said. Funds from the Centre will be utilised to provide accommodation, drinking water, security for tourists, toilets, benches, electricity, road connectivity and hoardings at historical and pilgrimage places, the official said.

T.N. Narayana, retired Assistant Conservator of Forests, who developed Talakadu Jaladhama on the backwaters of the Cauvery, said, “The tourism potential will be tapped by developing water sports on the backwaters at different locations.”

In coastal districts

The Rs. 50-crore project in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada includes developing infrastructure and basic facilities on the beaches.

There are 42 beaches in the three districts. The district councils, headed by the Deputy Commissioner in each district, will be asked to chalk out plans for developing infrastructure on the beaches.

The official said that Minister for Tourism R.V. Deshpande has asked the Centre to relax curbs imposed under the Coastal Regulation Zone rules in order to develop beach tourism in the State.