Rs 50 lakh flows away from Gaganachukki falls

Unappealing tourism destination

For Gaganachukki falls, ` 50 lakh had been earmarked for development works. But due to negligence of tourism and forests department officials in presenting the action plan at the right time development works have taken a back seat.

Gaganachukki waterfalls is in Malavalli taluk of Mandya district. But a view of the falls from the border district Chamarajanagar is enchanting for tourists.

Now, with continuous rainfall in the catchment area of Cauvery river, hundreds of tourists visit the district to have a glimpse of the falls in all its glory. But the department of tourism has failed in providing basic amenities.

The frothy white water descending in branches when viewed from a darga situated at the spot in the district attracts a huge number of nature lovers. There are many incidents where tourists in their enthusiasm lose their balance and pay with their lives.

To prevent mishaps, the government — based on the Nanjundappa Committee report — had sanctioned ` 50 lakh for construction of protection walls, iron grills and watchtower in 2010. It had also directed the forest department, Kollegal range, to prepare an action plan for the same.

But, by the time the department submitted the action plan there was hardly a month for completion of the fiscal year and could not get the funds sanctioned.  Hence, the funds were returned to the government citing non-utilisation.

The toilets, built several years ago, are in a bad shape, but ` 14.5 lakh released for construction of toilets was also not utilised.

Tourism department officials justify the delay in construction of toilets saying that though the works had commenced, the Wakf and minorities welfare minister said that special plans have been chalked out for the development of the darga and directed to construct toilets after all the works were completed. Plastic waste is a big problem, polluting the serene environment.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, assistant director of tourism said though it was not possible to get funds the previous year, attempts would be made to submit the action plan this year and get back the funds.

Talking about construction of toilets, he said the places have been identified for the construction of the same. Now, permission has been given by the Wakf board and works for the same would begin soon.