DCs to crack down on outlets selling water bottles above MRP

Minister of State for Tourism Priyank Kharge on Monday said deputy commissioners will be directed to crack down on outlets selling packaged food and water bottles above the maximum retail price  (MRP) at tourist spots. Replying to a query by Kantharaj (JD-S) in the Legislative Council, Kharge said the government will take steps to ensure that shopkeepers and food outlets near places of tourist attraction do not fleece tourists.

He said the demonetisation of high value currency notes had hit the tourism industry hard. However, it is likely to pick up in the coming days with the advent of the holiday season. The Tourism department will gear up to meet the needs of tourists by increasing the number of buses and deployment of guides, he said.

Karnataka Tourism Development Corporation will come out with holiday packages at affordable rates. The department will also offer discounts on fares for those who want to enjoy the luxurious Golden Chariot train journey.

He said Jungle Lodges and Resorts Limited has developed jungle camps for middle income tourists at an affordable cost at Bhagavathi in Chikkamagaluru district, Sakrebailu in Shivamogga district and Anejari and Seetha Nadi in Udupi district. Kharge said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced in his budget speech that 16 tourist centres will be developed into world-class tourist destinations.

He said Rs 385 crore has been earmarked for development of tourism infrastructure. Integrated development of heritage tourism infrastructure including conservation and preservation of monuments in collaboration with Archeological Survey of India and the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage will be taken up, he added.