Karnataka mulls 'Tourism Development Authority'

Mysore, Jun 13 (UNI) The Karnataka Government is contemplating setting up of a separate 'Tourism Development Authority' to boost the tourism sector in the state, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Shobha Krandlaje said today.

Talking to newspersons after a review meeting of the district administration here, the Minister, who is in charge of the district, said such an authority would provide a big boost to Mysore city, one of the famous tourist centres in the country, she said.

Ms Krandlaje said the entire district was known for its tourism potential and it was necessary to develop the tourist spots further to facilitate larger inflow of tourists.

Efforts would be made to hold the world famous 'Mysore Dasara' festivities in a more grand manner and this opportunity would be used to project Mysore as a brand name.

Projects taken up under JNNURM had been delayed in the city and a separate authority to take up projects under the mission had been proposed. The authority was necessary to speed up developmental works under this scheme so that more funds could be sought from the Centre, she said.

Ms Karandlaje said more than Rs 1,000 crore had been sanctioned for the Mysore city under the JNNURM and not much work had been taken up during the last two years.

Earlier, the minister attended the ground breaking ceremony for the water supply project worth Rs 2.5 crore for Mandakalli airport on the outskirts of the city. She also inspected the progress of the airport upgradation works.

Speaking on the occasion, she said a lot had to be done for the development of the city, considered as one of the best tier two cities in the country, in tune with its rapid development.

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