<p>The Karnataka government has shelved its plan to build an amusement park near the Manchanabele dam and has instead decided to develop tourism infrastructure in the area under the public-private partnership (PPP), making people pay for a glimpse of the scenic beauty of the reservoir and the valley.</p>.<p>Last August, the government had announced to build an amusement park at Manchanbele dam at a cost of about Rs 150 crore. However, sources said the plan was put off due to the high cost of the project.</p>.<p>“It was felt that spending hundreds of crore on such a project during the pandemic may not be a good idea as several emergency works needed funds. A decision was made at the government level to go for PPP so that we don’t have to lose money,” a senior official said.</p>.<p>The dam built across river Arkavathi is located about 35 km from Bengaluru. It is a popular weekend getaway spot, especially among youths. “The idea is to develop infrastructure and improve connectivity so that it attracts people round the year. A detailed project report will be prepared within three months,” an official said.</p>.<p>As per the available documents, the preliminary list of works to be taken up to spruce up the area around the dam proposes measures to generate revenue.</p>.<p>Arrangements will be made for controlling entry and exit of tourists, who will have to buy tickets to visit the dam and to access other facilities.</p>.<p>A waiting lounge, a garden, observation towers, a museum, food and art complex, a pond for water sports, multilevel car parking, police and security outposts, public toilets are among the new set of infrastructure planned.</p>.<p>“More attractions will be part of the plan to provide a tourism experience in the middle of nature. Issues like entry fee will be decided in consultation with the private party and the government,” the official added.</p>
<p>The Karnataka government has shelved its plan to build an amusement park near the Manchanabele dam and has instead decided to develop tourism infrastructure in the area under the public-private partnership (PPP), making people pay for a glimpse of the scenic beauty of the reservoir and the valley.</p>.<p>Last August, the government had announced to build an amusement park at Manchanbele dam at a cost of about Rs 150 crore. However, sources said the plan was put off due to the high cost of the project.</p>.<p>“It was felt that spending hundreds of crore on such a project during the pandemic may not be a good idea as several emergency works needed funds. A decision was made at the government level to go for PPP so that we don’t have to lose money,” a senior official said.</p>.<p>The dam built across river Arkavathi is located about 35 km from Bengaluru. It is a popular weekend getaway spot, especially among youths. “The idea is to develop infrastructure and improve connectivity so that it attracts people round the year. A detailed project report will be prepared within three months,” an official said.</p>.<p>As per the available documents, the preliminary list of works to be taken up to spruce up the area around the dam proposes measures to generate revenue.</p>.<p>Arrangements will be made for controlling entry and exit of tourists, who will have to buy tickets to visit the dam and to access other facilities.</p>.<p>A waiting lounge, a garden, observation towers, a museum, food and art complex, a pond for water sports, multilevel car parking, police and security outposts, public toilets are among the new set of infrastructure planned.</p>.<p>“More attractions will be part of the plan to provide a tourism experience in the middle of nature. Issues like entry fee will be decided in consultation with the private party and the government,” the official added.</p>
