Enarada, Mysuru, June 15, 2015
In a major breakthrough which is sure to give fillip to tourism in the city of palaces Mysore, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between the state government and Air India paving the way for reviving air connectivity to Mysore soon. This long pending demand is sure to give an impetus to tourism in Mysore, Minister for Tourism and Higher Education R V Deshapande said.
Chairing the first meeting of the Cauvery Tourism Development Authority at the Regional Commissioner’s Office in the city he pointed out that as per the MoU Air India will soon begin commercial operations from the Mandakalli Airport in Mysore. Air connectivity to Mysore is the need of the hour considering the increase in inflow of tourists to Mysore and other surrounding areas. He further said that a consensus was arrived at between the Tourism Department and Air India to help cover the financial budget and regularise the commercial operations.
He admitted that lack of basic facilities like clean drinking water, sanitised toilets, quality accommodation, power supply and motorable roads was a major hindrance in attracting more tourists to the city. He called upon the tourism department to take up the challenge and promote tourism in a big way by using funds given by the government to promote tourism.
[dropcap style=”inverted”]“There are many countries in the world which are thriving only on tourism promotion because it brings in revenue and also creates more employment opportunities,” Deshapande said.[/dropcap]
The minister pointed out that the government has established Cauvery Tourism Development Authority to promote tourism in areas through which Cauvery flows such as Mysore, Mandya, Kodagu, Chamarajanagara and Ramanagara. Though there is ample scope for developing tourism in these areas unless elected representatives and local leaders take up the issue and work in unison all efforts of the state government would come to a naught, the Minister stated.
He further stated that the District-in-charge ministers and Districts Commissioners of these areas have been asked to select four projects for development this year. The two projects taken up for development include automated illumination of the palace and the ropeway facility to Chamundi Hill.
“The Digital Project Report is ready for the cable car project atop Chamundi Hill,’ Deshpande said and added that work on the project would commence on approval from the Government.
The minister also emphasized on the importance of proper tourists guides to highlight the historical importance of these heritage sites in various languages for global tourists. He said the government would work in association with the police department to train competent personnel and appoint them as Tourist Friends. A Cauvery museum would also be established to give a glimpse of the history of Cauvery river and other related issues to the tourists.
