Funds to market Mysore GIs sought

Of the 12 Geographical Indications (GI) identified in Karnataka, nine of them belong to Mysore district. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should allot funds to market these products globally, said M Lakshman, convenor of Association of Concerned and Informed Citizens of Mysore, here on Saturday. 

The GIs of the district include Mysore incense sticks, Mysore silk, Mysore betel leaf, Nanjangud Rasabale, Mysore Rosewood inlay work, Mysore sandal, Mysore pak, Mysore jasmine and Mysore traditional paintings.

He was a speaking at a meeting chaired by MP A H Vishwanath, at Institute of Engineers (India) premises on Saturday, where several facilities for Mysore City Corporation (MCC) and the district was sought to be included in the next budget of the State government.

In the meeting attended by the representatives of industry, standing committee members of MCC and other members, Rs 200 crore was sought for the development of basic amenities in the city limits.

Dasara Authority

Speaking at the meeting, Lakshman also sought a separate Dasara Authority to conduct the historic Dasara in a hassle free manner. “The land around Chamundi Hill should be declared as a buffer zone and should be developed along the lines of the Botanical Garden in Ooty,” he said.

Among the demands made in the meeting was the rejuvenation of Lingambudhi, Dalvoy, Devanur, Hebbal and Rayanakere lakes; multi-level car parking facilities in four locations of Mysore; ten new police stations and a bomb squad; satellite townships around the city, among others.

Former president of Mysore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Sudhakar Shetty said that connectivity of the city needed to be improved significantly.

 “We should also concentrate on addressing issues related to Solid Waste Management, as Mysore is still a garbage city,” he said.

The issue of water supply in MCC limits was also discussed in the meeting. A separate water supply board for Mysore city was also sought.

Speaking after the meeting, Vishwanath said that though there were several demands, discussions will be held with district-in-charge and Revenue Minister V Sreenivas Prasad and other elected representatives of the district, before submitting a final list of demands to the Chief Minister. 

“We expect that at least a few demands will be met by the Chief Minister,” he added.