Lack of infrastructure hits tourism in Kemmanagundi

Kemmanagundi, the hill station popularly known as ‘Ooty of Karnataka’ which was attracting thousands of tourists during summer, however in the recent years has lost its earlier charm owing to its poor infrastructure.

The old buildings were demolished to construct new buildings out of wood. The wood used for the construction of building was of poor quality. As a result, the wooden planks started falling within four months of its construction. The roof tiles have also been damaged.

The furnitures inside the rooms have been attacked by termites. No curtains have been put for the rooms. The pipes and other equipment in toilets and bathrooms are also in pathetic condition.

Without basic facilities including a shop and hotel, the tourists have to struggle to get food. They have to travel 25-km to Kallathipura or Lingadahalli to get even eatables. There is only one private bus which ply from Tarikere to Kemmanagundi in the morning.

The roads leading to the hill station is also in deplorable condition. The tourists feel that the fee fixed by the horticulture department for the entry of private vehicles to the hill station is too high. “Instead of staying in a room, it would be better if one stays outside in a tent,” said tourist Srinivas, from Hyderabad.

The previous government had earmarked Rs 40 crore to develop tourist lodge, Raja Bhavan, dormitory, and other buildings to promote tourism.

Tarikeree MLA G H Srinivas conceding to the fact that the quality of work initiated is poor, said the officials have been directed to send back the furnitures and the maintenance of the hill station has been taken over by the horticulture department from tourism department, to ensure that no inconvenience is met to the tourists.

“The old buildings were strong. The newly constructed building is in dilapidated condition.

The very idea of constructing buildings using wooden logs in a place which receives highest rainfall is unscientific. The issue of poor quality of work has been brought to the notice of the state government and tourism department as well,” said Hill station special officer Yogananda.