The Karnataka government is preparing a master plan for a comprehensive development of the tourism infrastructure in the state. The new BJP-JD(S) coalition government, which has identified tourism as a thrust area, has also increased the tourism budget three-fold from Rs 16.5 crore to Rs 50 crore for 2006-07. |
"We plan to put in place a comprehensive plan for creating world class infrastructure at major tourism destinations in the state to attract a large number of foreign and domestic tourists," minister for tourism and textiles B Sreeramulu said. |
The department of tourism has also sought a Rs 74 crore grant from the Union ministry of tourism to undertake projects in the state. This includes development of eco-tourism, beach tourism and heritage centres. Development of infrastructure at Hampi is among the major priority tourism projects being taken up by the government, he said. |
"We have already sent the project proposal to the Union government. The department proposes to create various facilities at the historic town of Hampi where the ruins of Vijayanagar empire are located. The department is presently preparing a detailed master plan for Hampi," Sreeramulu told Business Standard. |
The tourism department has acquired 210 acres at Papanayakanahalli, about 5 km from the Hampi temple complex for a tourism complex. As per the plan, the department proposes to develop five-star hotels with private participation and set up theme parks for handicraft and an amusement park. |
The department has commissioned Infrastructure Development Corporation (Karnataka) Limited (iDeCK) to prepare a detailed feasibility report for the new plan at Hampi. The investment required for implementing the project is also being worked out, tourism commissioner Yogendra Tripathi said. |
The government has sought approval of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for undertaking new construction activities in the vicinity of the Virupaksha temple complex, which has been declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO. "We are in talks with UNESCO officials on this. The construction of new buildings will be taken up only after they give their green signal," Sreeramulu said. |
Among the new initiatives being taken up to attract tourists to Hampi are introduction of tongas (horse-driven cart) and elephant safaris inside the ruins of Hampi. The track, through which the tongas will run is being identified by the deputy commissioner of Bellary district. The Hampi Development Authority is also working in this direction and a notification will be issued soon, he said. |
Sreeramulu said that the government plans to install a light and sound system at the Bellary fort and conduct cultural shows at all historical monuments of north Karnataka. Local folk artistes will be invited to perform at these monuments once in a fortnight for the tourists. |
The government has privatised 18 hotel properties owned by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation. Another eight properties are being put up for private operation at places like Lakkundi, Sirsi, Aihole and Kudligi, Tripathi said, adding that another 16 profit-making hotels will continue to be managed by the corporation. |