ENARADA, Mysore, July 7, 2013:
Measures have been taken for overall development of Bharachukki Falls located at Kollegal in Chamarajanagar district said Co-operation and District In-charge Minister H.S. Mahadevaprasad. “We are thinking in terms of developing Bharachukki Falls on par with Niagara Falls in USA,” added the Minister.
He said that Bharachukki Falls has been attracting a lot of local and foreign tourists. The State Government has already released Rs. 4.30 crore for developmental activities out of which the works worth Rs. 1.50 crore have been completed. Authorities have already completed the construction of view point, steps, railings, guest house and toilets.
The minister mentioned that since the State has been getting good rainfall, inflow at both Kabini and KRS reservoirs have increased. The water inflow into Bharachukki has increased over the past few days since the Kabini dam is almost full.
Two Day Event- JALAPATHOTSAVA
This has prompted us to think about organising a two-day ‘Jalapathotsava’ in association with the District Administration and Department of Kannada and Culture, during which several cultural and folk programmes would be organised, said the Minister.
There is already a Bharachukki Development Committee which is being headed by Revenue Department Sub-Divisional Officer Satish Babu. The authorities have collected Rs. 25 lakh through entrance fee which will be utilised for the developmental activities. The authorities are thinking to install permanent decorative lights at the falls along with the construction of a fountain.
Piligrimage Centre
Bharachukki is also considered as pilgrimage centre for both Hindus and Muslims since it houses Temples and Dhargas. Steps will be taken to provide basic facilities at the pilgrimage centres, Minister said.
Efforts of Tourism Department
The Tourism Department had made efforts to develop the Bharachukki falls at an estimate of Rs.4.31 crore under a Centrally-sponsored scheme. Pergolas were built in front of the falls, and a nearly 1.05 km chain link mesh had been erected for safety. The steps leading down to the falls had been constructed with the support of railings.
Of the released Rs.1.40 crore, Rs.90 lakh had been spent so far. There were plans to construct an amphitheatre, pathway, sitting benches, refreshment centre, parking facilities, toilet blocks and drinking water facilities.
Promoting monsoon tourism and other types of tourism in the district will attract lakhs of tourists from across country and this will create indirect job opportunities to boost the rural economy.
Nearly 40 to 50 tourists drowned in the falls every year while taking bath or swimming. There were instances of capsizing of coracles, resulting in deaths.
The order was in accordance with the Environment Protection Act, 1986, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and a Government Order of 2003. The forest guards posted at the entry point of Bharachukki falls prevented the tourists from carrying water bottles and plastics.
Breath taking view
The advent of the monsoon provides tourists a rendezvous with nature in its full glory at famous Bharachukki and Gaganachukki falls in chamarajanagara district. Cauvery regions reservoirs releases water to the rivers as authorities opening the crest gates of KRS and Kabini reservoirs.
The gigantic surge of water along the breadth of the river before tumbling down almost 300 ft. down is a sight to behold. The force is such that vapour and mist rise to a height of more than 100 to 150 ft.
Origin
After starting as a mere trickle in the Brahma giri ranges of Western Ghats in Kodagu district, the Cauvery is joined by a number of rivulets during its glorious descent, swelling in size as it flows through the picturesque hills of Madikeri before entering the Mysore plateau. At Shivanasamudra, the Cauvery splits into two major streams and each branch cascades down rocky hillocks. With two separate falls of 300 to 350 ft., Gaganchukki and Bharachukki not only give the tourists a breath-taking view, but also generate hydro-electric power.
Additional funds from Central Government
Lok Sabha member R. Dhruvanarayan said that that Centre had released sufficient funds for the development of Bharachukki Falls. Several developmental activities have been taken up since the past 4 years. Though the works are being done at a slow pace, quality has not been compromised. Additional funds will be sought after submitting a report on the completions of the first phase of works.
He also added that sufficient inputs had been given to concerned officials after inspecting the works at the Falls. “Union Tourism Minister Chiranjeevi has been briefed regarding the need for additional funds for the development of tourist destinations in the district during a meeting which was held in the presence of State Tourism Minister R.V. Deshpande,” said Dhruvanarayan.
He mentioned that a special package of Rs. 100 crore had been sought from Tourism Minister R.V. Deshpande to develop the tourist destinations in the district.
