Mangaluru: District minister in-charge Ramanath Rai inaugurated the guest house at Tannirbavi here, on June 27.
A Puja was held prior to the inauguration. Later, Ramanath Rai inaugurated the guest house by cutting the ribbon and lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries.
Addressing the mediapersons, Ramanath Rai said, “Today is an auspicious day to inaugurate this newly built guest house. The new house was built after demolishing the old house which was in a pathetic condition. The guest house will be available for forest officers who visit this area.”
He further said, “The government has already sanctioned Rs 5 crore for the ‘Chinnara Vanya Darshana’ programme. Under this programme, students of 9th standard will be taken for a two day camp to the forest to study the flora and fauna. Various competitions will also be held for students.” They will be provided free food and accommodation. The camp will be free of cost and will be held every year for the 9th standard students so that they can get first hand experience and knowledge about forests. 10,000 students from 28 districts in the state will participate in the camp. The camp will be launched on August 15.
Rai also said that measures have been taken to promote eco-tourism. “We have built lodges in the jungle and tree parks will be opened soon.”
Speaking to mangalorean.com, Range Forest Officer Clifford Lobo said that the newly constructed guest house has a ground floor and a first floor with a total area of 3600 sq ft. The total cost of the construction is Rs 61 lakh.
MLA Moideen Bava, Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim, HOD of Forest Conservative Force G V Sugur, Deputy Mayor Purushotham and others were also present.