From our special correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, August 19: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has directed officials of the Tourism Department to give priority to providing basic amenities at all tourist spots and improve publicity to increase tourist arrivals in Karnataka in the coming days.
Reviewing the progress of the Tourism Department in Bengaluru on Friday, he said that tourism plays a vital role in the economic progress of the state and promotion of culture. In this regard, the government has prioritized the development of tourism.
As announced in the State Budget, the tourist circuits of Mysuru-Belur-Halebeedu and Hampi-Badami-Aihole-Pattadakal should be developed, he said.
He wanted Mysuru tourism district to be ready for inauguration during Dasara and Hampi District to be kept ready for opening during Deepavali festival season.
“These circuits should also include adventure sports and fun activities,” said Bommai.
The State Government has formulated the guidelines for the approval and maintenance of the monuments announced in the budget. Details of monuments and expenses should be prepared and website created.
He would personally write to all corporate companies about the monument adoption scheme. The Department of Tourism should have perfect coordination with the Department of Industries and Commerce.
The Chief Minister said that he will hold a meeting with the Archaeological Survey of India to discuss about providing more facilities to tourists visiting Badami Caves and also to make it more attractive.
He would discuss with the Deputy Commissioners and Forest Department officials to complete the land acquisition process for the proposed ropeway at Nandi Hills, Yaana, Anjanadri Hill, Mullaiyanagiri and Dattapeeta Hill as soon as possible.
To promote eco-friendly tourism in the coastal zone, the state government has already submitted a proposal to the Government of India to streamline the Coastal Regulation Zone and trying to get approval. This would help promote tourism in the coastal area.
Steps have been taken for the revival of Bidar and Kalburagi forts and even Surpuri Fort should be included in this work. There are 400 tourist guides registered with the Tourism Department who are paid a monthly honorarium of Rs 2,000 each.
Arrangements are being made to provide training for improving communication skills at Hampi University.
Officials were also directed to start tour circuit of Pallua Sanctuary, Baada Palace, Stone Park, Folk University Exhibition, Shishuvinahala and Savanur in Haveri district.
The existing tourism website should be redesigned with modality details, user-friendly features and also audit the assets of the Tourism Department so that they generate revenue, he said.
Bommai said waterways should be created in Kali, Almatti and Cauvery river areas and a proposal for tourism development should be submitted. It is necessary to provide tourist facilities near 10 to 12 lakes in the state and steps to promote trekking as this will attract not only foreign tourists but also local tourists.
Parks can be developed in the dam areas of Hidkal, Kabini and Gorur reservoirs, he added.
Tourism Minister Anand Singh, Karnataka Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Siddalingaswamy, Chief Secretary Vandita Sharma, Chief Secretary to Chief Minister N Manjunath Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner ISN Prasad, Tourism Department Secretary NV Prasad and officials of other high.