Badami gets mega grant, 'to keep Siddaramaiah happy'

Winning the confidence of Siddaramaiah, whose followers are often troubling the coalition government, Chief Minister Kumaraswamy on Friday delivered a master stroke by announcing Rs 25 crore to Siddaramaiah’s Assembly seat Badami.

He also announced a slew of programmes to spur tourism activities across the state.

Taking pride in the Badami Chalukyan-era rule, Kumaraswamy said, “Badami Chalukyas have given us rich heritage and their rule marks a milestone in our history. To attract tourists from around the world to this heritage site, I announce Rs 25 crore for its development.”

Surprising many by allocating a huge amount for one destination, the chief minister did mention Hampi and Vijayanagara by announcing to set up ‘discourse centres’ at each of the locations at a cost of Rs 1 crore, besides setting up a tourism university at a cost of Rs 3 crore in Hampi.

Beckoning tourists to Mysuru — the cultural capital of Karnataka, Kumaraswamy announced six Double Decker open buses to be operated by the KSTDC on the lines of London’s Big Bus to visit tourists places across Mysuru. Some grants have also been given to organise ‘Karnataka International Tourism Exhibition’ to attract tourists.

Kumarswamy has granted funds for the development of Coastal Tourism at the scenic Sasihithlu and Panambur beaches near Mangaluru in his budget. He has ordered action to take up survey of 600 monuments out of 834, for their conservation and protection.

Tourism allocations

* Rs 5 crore to launch 6 Double Decker open buses

* Rs 2 crore to organise Karnataka International Tourism Exhibition 2019

* Rs 7 crore to develop Coastal Tourism at Sasihitlu and Panambur

* Rs 1 crore to establish Hampi Discourse Centre