Ecological Experience Zone project likely to take off soon in Mysuru under Swadesh Darshan 2.0

Mysuru: After an year since the formal launch, the work of 'Ecological Experience Zone (EEZ)' project in Mysuru under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 is likely to take off soon.

It has been planned to develop this zone, by integrating Sri Chamarajendra Zoological garden (Mysuru zoo), Karanji lake nature park and Regional Museum of Natural History (RMNH) with common entry at the zoo and exit at RMNH.

The tender process of project is in final stages according to Joint director of Department of Tourism, K Rudresh.

According to the tourism department officials, earlier the tender holder was expected to do the maintenance for five years after the completion of the project.

But there was apprehension about it by forest department officials. So, it has been decided that the infrastructure will be developed by tender holder and handed over to the Mysuru Zoo. Zoo authorities will take up the maintenance work.

Mysuru Zoo Executive Director D Rangaswamy said, "Though the tender gets finalised, the works under the project would be finalised only after approval in the general body meeting of Zoo Authority of Karnataka which will be held this month."

"Minister for Forest Ecology and Environment Eshwar B Khandre and Member Secretary of ZAK will participate in the meeting. We also have to follow Central Zoo Authority (CZA) norms when we take up such works. So the works are yet to get clearance from CZA," he said.

Tourism Department is taking up the project along with Mysuru Zoo, to enhance the tourists' experience by coming up with several engaging components.

As per the detailed project report (DPR), they have proposed to develop the zoo entrance, plaza welcoming gate way or a captivating entry point to the zoo.

It will have provisions to buy tickets for all three places; a gathering place for tourists along with a food kiosk and a digital information kiosk on amenities available.

It is proposed to build a eco bridge connector, which links the zoo to Karanji lake. They plan to develop a lake walk path for leisurely strolls along the lake, helping bird watching during migratory season; a canopy walk bridge - 226 m long and 4.5 m wide connecting the north-eastern corner of the zoo to the north western corner of Karanji lake.

They have also proposed to build an eco view tower with architectural designs to provide aerial view of Mysuru's natural beauty and heritage. They even plan to have a zip line over Karanji lake for adventure lovers and a food plaza featuring Karnataka's cuisines for refreshment.

Mysuru Hotel Owners Association president C Narayana Gowda, said, "Tourists in Mysuru cover major destinations within a day. Not many visit RNMH and Karanji lake. But now with the EEZ project, the visitors to the zoo will also explore the other two places. So the plans, to explore Mysuru in a systematic way with projects like EEZ with proper circuits, can pull equal visitors for all tourist destinations in Mysuru, and we can retain them for long which will help those depending on tourism like hoteliers. But many such budget announcements and plans remain merely on paper or are delayed. Hope they are implemented soon."