Hope springs for live Jog Falls through the year

The proposed project on Jog Falls water recycling is finally taking shape with two private companies expressing interest in the project.

Four months ago, the government had called for a global expression of interest for the project. Through the initiative, the goverment hopes to ensure flow of water in the falls throughout the year. The falls come alive between July and September. By pumping up the recycled water, the government aims to ensure flow of water throughout the year.

NMC, an Abu Dhabi company, and NBCC based out of Delhi have expressed interest in the project. Rough estimates indicate that the project would cost anywhere between Rs 250 crore and Rs 400 crore.

At a meeting of the Jog Management Authority held on January 3, officials of the Forest Department, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation and Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd (KPCL) discussed measures to take the project forward.

Currently, KPCL is working on a detailed project report. Once that is submitted, a tender will be called, said Nitesh Patil, Assistant Commissioner, Sagar, Shimoga district, who is also the joint secretary of the Jog Management Authority.

The company that takes up the project will invest in generating the power required for recycling water and pumping it up. It will be able to sell the surplus power.

The Jog will soon see several adventure activities. About 400 metres from the falls, facilities are being created for rafting, pedalling, kayaking.  In addition, trekking and rock climbing have been initiated on a pilot basis. A tourist information centre, food courts, toilets and better parking facilities will also come up at the site.