Apathy mars only hot water spring in South India

The place, which is one of the heritage spots of Tulunadu, was once famous for the hot water spring, has failed to attract visitors as the spring has stopped generating hot water now. The dam which is constructed on the nearby Seere Hole, lets the lake water to enter into Bendr Theertha, thus hampering the production of hot water.

Despite Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy making several efforts to revive Bendr Theertha, by urging the State Tourism Department to recognise the place as one of the heritage spots of Tulunadu, efforts seem to be going in vain.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy President Palthadi Ramakrishna Achar said the Academy had written letter to the Tourism Department and the district administration to develop and preserve Bendr Theertha.

 “The Academy has submitted a detailed proposal to the district administration and the Tourism Department, requesting them to develop Bendr Theertha. The proposal includes the construction of retaining walls around Bendr Theertha, introducing boat rides, building cottages for the tourists to stay among others,” he informed.

One of the land owners to whom Bendr Theertha land belongs to, has already donated 20 cents land for the development purpose.

The rest of the public in the region too are ready to give the land if the Tourism Department comes forward to develop the area. 

The officers from the Tourism Department had visited the spot six months ago in response to the letter written by the Academy President. However, the Academy has not received any response from the Tourism Department since their visit.

No initiative from ZP

Reacting to the delay in response from the Department towards promoting Bendr Theertha, Tourism Department Deputy Director Shivalingappa said the Department has not given green signal to the project as it has not received any official request from the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat. The Department intends to develop the area with a fund of Rs 20 lakh, but, as the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat has not submitted a proposal in this regard, the Department has become helpless.

“I agree that the Tulu Academy has stood on its toes to develop the area, but the government can’t sanction the amount and develop the area simply based on the proposal submitted by the Academy. We are looking forward for a concrete proposal to arrive from the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, so that we can move the files,” he said.