The Karnataka government has proposed to set up a tourism development authority for Mysore and Shimoga for the promotion and development of tourism in the two places. It will be similar to the Hampi Development Authority for the ruins of the Vijayanagar empire in Bellary district.
Tourism minister G Janardhan Reddy told the second meeting of the Dasara High Power Committee in Bangalore that the government would take steps to set up these two authorities soon.
Chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, who presided, announced Rs 100 crore for development of tourist places in the state and, according to a release here, asked the officials concerned to initiate immediate steps in this direction.
He also announced that a three-day cultural festival would be organised to mark the 75th year of the Krishnarajasagar. The 130 feet high dam with a water storage capacity of 124.80 feet is designed by Sir M Visvesvaraya and built between 1911 and 1924, and the famous Brindavan Gardens by then Dewan Sir Mirza Ismail between 1927 and 1936.
The chief minister asked the officials to maintain cleanliness around the temples and improve infrastructure for tourists visiting Mysore and launch publicity for the ensuing Dasara from now alone so that a large number of tourists could be attracted.
Mysore district in-charge minister Shoba Karandlaje suggested to the KSRTC to begin operation of a three-day “tourist circuit” for tourists to visit sightseeing places around Mysore under packaged tours and one-day package tour covering the tourist spots in the city.
She promised a suitable site for a “Tourist Soudha” (tourist centre) proposed by the Mysore Tourist Development Authority. The minister suggested to the Zoo Authority to examine adequate and proper parking facilities for people coming to the zoo in vehicles under private-public participation. She said, top international level artistes would be invited to perform at the palace during the Dasara celebrations.
