Karnataka   

Tourism initiative yet to gather steam

Chitradurga: The comprehensive plan prepared for the development of tourism in the district does not seem to have got off to a good start. About four years ago, the district administration prepared a Rs. 20-crore project for the comprehensive development of Chitradurga city and submitted it to the Centre for approval.

Although the project was approved, only Rs. 2 crore has been released towards implementation till now.

The project includes provision of a sound and light show at the Chitradurga Fort, beautification, removal of silt from, and reconstruction of, the Akka-Tangi Honda inside the fort, construction of a yoga centre, a trekking and rock-climbing centre, a museum, a direct road link from Challakere Gate to the fort and a cable car to get a panoramic view of the fort.

Since only Rs. 2 crore has been released so far, the Department of Tourism has been able to undertake only a few projects such as construction of dormitories, a yoga centre and a refreshment centre near the fort, said N.Y. Hanumantappa, MP.

Mr. Hanumantappa, who is currently pushing for more funds for the project, blamed the district administration for not implementing the project on time and delaying the issue of the utilisation certificate.

He also blamed the administration for improper utilisation of funds. “I can get grants released from the Union Government, but ultimately it is the district administration that has to ensure that they are used properly,” he said.

Under the Destination Development Scheme, the Union Government had earmarked only Rs. 3.43 crore and released around Rs. 2 crore, which was being used for the construction of a dormitory, removal of silt from the Gopalswamy Honda, renovation of temples inside the fort, laying of underground cables for illumining the fort and renovation of the Ashok Siddapur monument, he said.

The remaining Rs. 1.43 crore would be released after a utilisation certificate was issued, he added. While some work has been taken up, the more important part of project, such as construction of a direct road from Challakere Gate to the fort, revival of the Chandravalli ake and providing lighting arrangements at the fort, is yet to be approved.

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