K'taka seeks central financial assistance for tourism projects

The state government is seeking financial help from the Centre to take up a 255-km trekking project along Western Ghats in Karnataka.
"We have placed a proposal and sought financial help from the Central Government to take up the Great Canara Trails in state's Western Ghat region," Tourism Minister R V Deshpande told reporters here.
Under the project, the Jungle Lodges and Resorts Limited will arrange a 255-km trekking tour in 22 days, the Minister said and added that the government needs Rs 8 crore to take up the work.
The trekking groups would be led by well-trained guides in guiding tours in the Western Ghat range spanning 255-km trail, Deshpande said. "Experienced and well-qualified guides will be employed who will have know-how of forests and wild animals," he said.

In the first phase, government would take up work between Castle Rock and Dudh Sagar, spanning 16 kms, Deshpande said.
Apart from this project, the government has sought clearance and financial help from the Centre to implement other projects, including Mega Cauvery Tourism Circuit, costing Rs 50 crore and Large Revenue Generating Projects, costing Rs 25 crore, the Minister said.
"The Large Revenue Generating Project also includes development of tourism infrastructure along the Jog Tourism Circuit," he added.
These projects will totally cost Rs 116.21 crore, Deshpande said.