District administration has decided to take back the possession of tourism department’s lodge and office, presently being used by Karnataka State Women’ University.
The decision was taken during the review meeting of tourism department chaired by Deputy Commissioner, D. Randeep on Thursday. The department has proposed renovating the lodge into an international standard hotel, catering mainly to foreign tourists, to boost tourism sector in the district. The renovation project would be given to Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC).
It may be noted that the lodge, is presently houses a girl’s hostel by Karnataka State Women’ University.
Mr. Randeep said that soon, the building would be taken back from the University. The district administration would also take back the office building of tourism department which being used by the University for academic purpose and also as official residence of the Vice Chancellor. Tourism department would soon open Tourism Information Centre in the building.
“By first week of December, both the buildings would be taken back from the University”, he said.
Mr. Randeep said that thorough the district training centre, aspirants would be selected for giving training for becoming tourist guides. He said that the government has already appointed a consultant for the district to collect details of various aspects including, hotels, transport and visiting places for developing a website having complete details.
During the meeting, it was also resolved to encourage the private organisations to adopt over 82 protected monuments and maintain them. It was decided to elicit the help of Indian National Trust of Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) to develop a blueprint for development of the ancient monuments.
Mr. Randeep directed the officials of Archeological Survey of India to send a proposal to the Union Government for establishing its separate regional office in district since it has a maximum number of protected monuments.
The other decision that were taken; to resume lighting facility at the historic Gol Gumbaz during night time, converting Anand Mahal into a cultural activity centre by opening an art gallery and shifting out all government offices, it presently houses.
