Information and Tourism Department Secretary I M Vittal Murthy said that the Asia’s biggest Daroji Bear Sanctuary would be developed at a cost of Rs 40 lakh, for which the money had been sanctioned.

Addressing presspersons here on Monday he noted that tourists would be attracted to the bear sanctuary by constructing a travellers’ bungalow there. Tourists could avail the facility during the next year’s Hampi Utsav.

Mr Murthy said that the master plan for Hampi development had been okayed and the notification would be released within 15 days. In order to provide accommodation for the artists coming to Hampi, 100 houses constructed by the Tungabhadra Mandali would be taken over and developed the area into artists’ village.

He noted that the cultural programmes organised at the Hampi Utsav this year were successful and people thronged all the venues and enjoyed the moment. But, there were some hiccups in making adequate arrangements for artists. Such problems would be addressed in future events. The tourism department had decided to give Rs 500 as honourarium to the guides.