KIOCL to develop Kudremukh as eco-tourism spot

Mangalore, Aug 5 (UNI) The Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL) has decided to develop Kudremukh as an eco-tourism spot, KIOCL Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) K Ranganath said today.

Addressing a press conference here, he said since the company had wound up its activity of iron ore mining at Kudremukh, the infrastructure created out of government money has to be best utilised.

He said 2.5 per cent of the profit by the company was annually set apart for social and community welfare project. The government had also agreed in principle for the development of the eco-tourism project, he added.

The company was already in touch with the Jungle Resort Tourism authorities in this regard. Land and other infrastructure facilities were available with the KIOCL and tourism expertise could be utilised by the Jungle Resort authorities in promoting the project, he said.

The Lakya Dam at Kudremukh could be developed into a reservoir benefiting wildlife and birds, he said, adding, buut this could be taken up only after the Supreme Court assent.

To a question, he said the state government had preliminary talks with the KIOCL about its proposal to set up a police training centre to equip the forces to combat against naxalism and terrorism.

He said the company was also contemplating to go for joint venture with other public sector units.

UNI MA MSP DS RL VC1847