BANGALORE, JULY 29, 2009: To tap the tourism potential in Karnataka, the BJP Government led by Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has decided to set up tourism authorities for Mysore and Shimoga for attracting tourists.

The main objective of the authorities would be developing infrastructure in tourists’ places surrounding Mysore and Shimoga districts. The Mysore authority would cover tourist places in Mandya and CHamarajanagar districts.

Mr. Yeddyurappa on Tuesday presided the second meeting of the High Power Committee on Dasara and said a sum of Rs 50 crore each would be allocated to each tourism authorities. The proposal would be soon placed before the Cabinet for the approval.  

Noting unhealthy environment in many tourist places in the state, the chief minister directed the officials to keep clean the environs of Chamundeshwari temple atop Chamundi Hills, Mahadeswara temple atop MM Hills, Srikanteshwara temple in Nanjangud.

Mr Yeddyurappa directed the officials to take precautionary steps to maintain law and order during Dasara in September. The schools would be declared holidays in September this year in view of the Dasara celebrations, he said.

Tourism Minister G. Janardhana Reddy said heli-tourism would be promoted in Mysore during the Dasara.

A decision has been taken to construct seven Pravasi Soudhas in the State and the first Soudha would be constructed in Mysore.

Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Shobha Karandlaje, who is also in-charge of Mysore District, focused on the parking problem faced by the visitors to Mysore Zoo and directed the Zoo Director to take action for the construction of a parking complex with private participation.

Officials of the Mysore district administration attended the meeting held at the State Secretariat.

Our Correspondent