Karnataka   

Tourism information centre inaugurated at Bannerghatta national park

Bangalore: The Department of Tourism Government of Karnataka and Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation in association with Jungle Lodges and Resorts Limited on Monday inaugurated a Tourist Interpretation Centre at the Bannerghatta Biological Park. The centre would provide logistical assistance as well as act as an information centre and help desk for tourists, apart from performing its basic function of a stopover and bus shelter.

Spread across 52 acres the campus of the interpretation centre, built at a cost of Rs. 150 lakh, is financed by the State Government with the help from the Union Government. The facility, which boasts an open air auditorium capable of accommodating 300 people, a hi-tech audio visual hall capable of accommodating 50 people, a shopping area with petty stalls, two multi-cuisine restaurants and six fast food counters had been designed by Bangalore-based architect Jaisim.

“This cost-effective, energy-efficient and ecologically-friendly environment is designed and built with care to blend with the local biosphere,” Mr. Jaisim said.

The facility was originally to be inaugurated by Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment C. Chennigappa but was instead inaugurated by Minister for Health and Family Welfare R. Ashok as Mr. Chennigappa could not attend the function. Speaking at the event, Mr. Ashok, while pointing out that the State had hitherto failed in exploiting its vibrant eco-tourism potential, conveyed the keen interest and commitment of the coalition Government toward attaining such a goal.

Offering words of encouragement to the officials behind the project, he implored them to make the new facility a plastic free zone. “Our natural heritage spots are getting choked by the hazardous material left behind by slapdash tourists,” he said.

Tourism Secretary I.M. Vittalamurthy, the guest of honour at the event, pointed out that the Bannerghatta Biological Park is, perhaps, one of the only full-fledged national parks which was so close to a major metropolis.

Expressing satisfaction at the completion of the project, which had faced inordinate delays, he said that the facility would go a long way in educating tourists, majority of who were insensitive towards the ideal of conservation and while doing so it would generate substantial employment opportunities.

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