MADIKERI: The Department of Horticulture here has sent a fresh proposal to the Directorate of Horticulture of Rs. 58.20 lakh for 2007-08 to develop the Raja Seat gardens here, which is the most visited spot by tourists in Madikeri, Senior Assistant Director of the Department of Horticulture, C.K. Medappa said here on Tuesday.

The first phase of development is on with the musical fountain set to be commissioned in a few days. Tourists have been flocking the Raja Seat in recent days as the salubrious climate of Kodagu has been a major attraction. The district administration, thanks to initiatives of Deputy Commissioner Subodh Yadav, has formulated several schemes to the improve Raja Seat and other tourist spots in the district.

Work related to the musical fountain is in progress and it is estimated to be installed at a cost of Rs. 23 lakh. The blueprint and estimates have been sent to the Director of Horticulture for approval. Work would start as soon as the department receives a nod from the director, Mr. Medappa said.

Projects to be taken up in the second phase include developing a lawn around the musical fountain (Rs. 35,000), construction of a compound wall in front of the Raja Seat (Rs. 5 lakh), installation of the main gate (Rs. 1 lakh), chain-link fence at the lower portion of the garden (Rs. 5 lakh), construction of amphitheatre (Rs. 8 lakh), double-lane staircase construction at the lower portion of the garden (Rs. 2 lakh), sinking a tubewell (Rs. 1 lakh), construction of a pathway at the lower portion of the garden (Rs. 5 lakh), developing a new garden at the lower portion of the existing garden (Rs. 5 lakh) and developing a lawn and ornamental flowers (Rs. 10 lakh), installation of sprinkler and pipelines (Rs. 2 lakh), lawn around the entire Raja Seat garden (Rs. 3.60 lakh), and maintenance of the musical fountain (Rs. 2.25 lakh), among others.

Horticulture show

Mr. Medappa said the annual Horticulture and Flower Show would be organised on the Gandhi Maidan here on April 27, 28 and 29. The shows are now being organised at the Raja Seat. The venue was being shifted owing to shortage of space in the Raja Seat garden, he said.

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