Bharachukki Jalapatotsava off to a colourful start

The third Bharachukki Jalapatotsava started off on a colorful note, near Kollegal, Chamarajanagar district, on Saturday.

The two day festival, which includes an attractive sound and light show near the roaring waterfall, apart from cultural programmes near the falls, was inaugurated by Cooperation Minister H S Mahadeva Prasad. 

Speaking at the programme, he said that State government had laid the foundation of developing tourist spots in Chamarajanagar district, with the organisation of Bharachukki Jalapatotsava.

He said that Bharachukki falls was being developed at a cost of Rs 1.9 crore, which has been sanctioned by the State government. “An action plan has been formulated for projects worth Rs 1.4 crore, which has been released in the second phase by the Centre. With the funds, an auditorium and other basic facilities required for tourists will come up,” he said.

MP R Dhruvanarayan said that the Centre had released Rs 4.3 crore for the development of Falls as a tourist destination in 2009. “We have not been able to develop the region as expected. However, more importance will be given for the development with the available funds,” he said.

Third Jalapatotsava

The first Bharachukki Jalapatotsava was held in 2007, following which the event was not held for six years. The festival was revived last year, and is being held for consecutive years for the first time.

Bharachukki is one of the two major falls across River Cauvery. The other being Gaganachukki, located in Malavalli taluk of Mandya district. 

Following the release of funds by the Central government, several security measures for the welfare of tourists have been initiated, such as the construction of a one and half kilometre barricade near the falls and a watch tower.