Jungle lodge resort to come up in Kodagu district

Minister for Tourism and Sericulture Sa Ra Mahesh said that a jungle lodge resort will be set up in Kodagu district. The district has only one hotel run by the Tourism Department.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, he said the land has already been identified.

The process of handing over the land to the department is pending. There are thousands of homestays in the district, of which only 200 are registered.

All the unauthorised homestays should register online within August 2. Stringent action would be initiated against unauthorised homestays in the district, he warned.

He said that he does not have any official information on the survey for a railway project in the district. Revenue Minister R V Deshpande has already clarified on it, stating that no permission would be granted for a railway project in the district.

To a query on the budget failing to make an announcement with regard to the promotion of tourism in the district, he said, “The Tourism Department has Rs 700 crore funds. The amount could be utilised for the works related to tourism in the district.”

The district had a minibus facility to visit tourist spots in the past. On the same model, minibus facilities would be provided during Dasara in Mysuru and Kodagu districts.

On public being denied entry to musical fountain and garden at Harangi reservoir, he said that he will take measures after discussing it with the Managing Director.

He said that the issue of river rafting in Dubare is in the court and refused to comment on the same.

MLA M P Appacchu Ranjan said, “The district has incurred a huge loss following heavy rain. Additional funds should be released to the district. There is a need to attract tourists to the district.”

CM to visit Talacauvery

The minister said that KRS dam is full following bountiful rainfall in Kodagu district. Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy will visit Talacauvery to offer special pooja on July 20.

The chief minister will review the rain damage in a meeting in Madikeri on July 19. Chief Minister Kumaraswamy had offered pooja during BJP-JD(S) coalition government in 2007. He is offering the pooja after 11 years, said Mahesh.