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The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Minister H.K. Patil reviews progress of various tourism projects in Kalaburagi
H.K. Patil, Minister for Law, Justice, Human Rights, Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation, and Tourism, conducted his department's progress review meeting on Saturday regarding various tourism projects identified under the 2020-25 Karnataka Tourism Policy. During the meeting held at the old Aiwan-e-Shahi guest house, Mr. Patil engaged with officials to assess the status of ongoing projects and sought updates on pending works. Anusuyya M. Huggar, deputy director of the Tourism Department, said that the concept report for ₹83.5 crore has been prepared for the development of Ganagapura in Afzalpur taluk and submitted to the government for approval. She stated that once funds are released, all essential infrastructure for tourism development would be provided. Additionally, a ₹100 lakh pilgrim accommodation project at Gattargi village is progressing. Officials also briefed the Minister on proposals submitted for the development of tourist destinations. Mr. Patil promised that he would work closely with relevant authorities to expedite the release of funds for tourism projects. He also highlighted that the 2024-25 Budget included plans for water adventure sports and tourism activities at Chandramapalli reservoir, which have recently commenced. The Minister added that several key tourist sites in Kalaburagi district were included under the 'Tourism Mitra' scheme, with 48 personnel appointed to assist visitors. Mr. Patil added that unemployed individuals would receive four to five months of skill development training, and ₹5 lakh financial assistance for mobile canteen operations under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) for Scheduled Castes and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) to Scheduled Tribes. Three new proposals have been submitted, including land allocations for tourism activities in Atanur in Afzalpur taluk (2 acres, 30 guntas) and Kesartagi in Kalaburagi taluk (3.5 acres). Officials informed the Minister that ₹1,359 crore has been sanctioned for tourism projects across six implementing agencies. Rajaram, assistant director of Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, said that the discussions were on in his department for heritage conservation efforts at Nagavi's 60 Pillar temple, Nandeshwara temple, Kari mosque, Sanjeevini Anjaneya temple, and archaeological exploration at Madhusudana temple. He added that a detailed project report was submitted for Kanaganahalli Information Centre in Chittapur taluk, with site inspections conducted by Dwijaa Associates and IDIC Bengaluru.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
River rafting operators in Kodagu told to renew licence, obtain fitness certificate
In a move to tighten safety regulations in adventure tourism, river rafting operators in Dubare and Barapole have been directed to renew their licences and obtain fitness certificates before resuming any water sports activities. This decision was taken during a meeting of the River Rafting Management and Monitoring Committee, held at the Harangi reservoir near Kushalnagar on Friday. Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda emphasised the importance of enforcing strict safety protocols, especially during the monsoon season, when tourist footfall goes up. River rafting operators have to secure fitness certification for their rafts from the General Thimayya National Academy of Adventure (GETHNAA), and police verification is mandatory, he said. Mr. Gowda said no rafting operation would be permitted without valid, annually renewed certificates, and that life jackets are mandatory. All guides must undergo skill assessments and wear uniforms while on duty, he said. To promote tourism, Mr. Gowda also proposed installing signboards at important junctions such as Bilkere, Hunsur-Gonikoppal junction, and near Siddapura on Periyapatna Road. 'Tourist safety is non-negotiable. One mishap could severely damage Kodagu's tourism image,' said Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja. He said that all operators must undergo training and get certification through GETHNAA to ensure quality and safety in water-based adventure activities. In view of the growing number of tourists visiting Kodagu for river rafting, the committee approved major infrastructure upgrades such as shelters at ticket counters, stair railings for river access, changing rooms and restrooms, benches, drinking water facilities, informative signage and CCTV surveillance. Tourism Department Deputy Director Anita Bhaskar said 75 rafts currently operate in Dubare and 24 in Barapole. Under the Karnataka Tourism Policy 2024–29, 11 applications for kayaking licences have been received for operation along the Hemavathi and Cauvery riverbanks, as well as Harangi backwaters. The committee said feasibility reports for these locations will be studied before granting approvals. Meanwhile, rafting has been permitted at Kumaralli (Bidalli) in Somwarpet taluk, though commercial activity has not yet begun. A final site inspection is awaited.
