ONE CRORE RELEASED FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Madikeri Feb. 25 Rs. One crore has been released for tourism development in Kodagu..Karnataka state tourism director Somshekhar announced here today. He was speaking in a function organized by the district chamber of commerce at hotel crystal palace.

The released amount t should be utilized for the development of Raja seat, Gadduge at Madikeri town, Nalknad palace, Abbifalls in Madikeri taluk, Honnammanakere near Somwarpet and Irpufalls in South Kodagu.

The state tourism department has also approved to release Rs. 2.50 crore for establishing adventurous tourism centre near Thalacauvery. The proposal has sent by the district tourism committee. The centre has been sanctioned as it will be an environmental friendly project.

The state tourism sanction include Rs. 33 lakh for Kodava heritage centre, Rs. 25 lakh for Hattihole hanging bridge, Rs.3 lakh for providing lighting facility in Raja seat and gadduge,

Rs. 3 crore is sanctioned for the construction of cultural island in the name of Jnanapeeta awardee Da. Ra Bedre in his native place.Rs. 6.40 Crore is sanctioned for tourism development in Bijapur, Bidar and Gulbarga districts. Rs.6 Crore is sanctioned for promoting tourism in coastal Karnataka. Rs. 3 crore will be released for improvement of Bagalkote Agasthyeshara pilgrim centre. ,Rs. 2 crore is sanctioned for improving Chithradurga fort,

The state Govt. has increased the annual sanctions of Rs. 30 crore to Rs. 100 crore for tourism department during recent years. The Govt. also has given green signal to develop tourism in the state with private sector participation-explained Somshekhar.The department will give Rs. 25 thousand every month to conduct cultural programmes in district levels .

Speaking about home stays he clarified that the department and the Govt. will support the home stays only when they register as per the rules and regulations announced by the govt. Non registered home stays may even have to face the investigations by the police department and the tourism dept. will not come into rescue The final norms will be announced soon regarding the conditions in Golden and silver categories in home stays-Somshekhar said.

Kodagu district chamber of commerce president K.B.Girish Ganapthai presided. General secretary G.Chidvilas in hos introductory speech revealed his dissatisfaction over the Govt’s negligence towards Kodagu irrespective of major contribution by the district in attracting the tourists. He said many projects and sanctions are pending in files and have not practically reached the ddestination. H.T.Anil and T.P.Ramesh also spoken in the same line.

The Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industries chairman S.S.Patil,Vice Chairman Krastha, Tourism wing chairman Shivashanmugam have spoken

Photo: Inaguration by S.S. Patil

GUN SHOT MURDER

Madikeri Feb. 25 C.E.Moidu Alias Kunjali (53) was murdered by local persons on Saturday night. The miscreants shot at him using the gun at Hudur village near Ponnampet .The Ponnampet police have registered murder case against Theethamada Ramesh and Kashi on suspicion grounds and have seized the gun.

The police investigation reveals that a complication aroused between the victim and the accused a few days back. The incident of the victim’s sons attacking the labourers of the accused had turned to take revenge, the investigation say.

Al Ameen organization conducted free marriage to 10 couples in crescent school premises, Madikeri.The function was presided over by the committee president F.A.Mohammad Haaji.Chief guset Abdulla Faizi of Siddpur mosque appreciated the work of the committee which helps the poor girls in the community. A.T.Ummaer, Basheer Haji Ali Musliar and others spoke

Photo: Newly wedded couple

PRAYER HALL AT PONNAMPET

Madikeri Feb. 25 Ponnampet Shri Ramakrishnashrama is planning to construct a prayer hall at the estimated cost of Rs. One crore at Ponnampet. Tathwabohanandaji maharaj ,chairman of Kashipur Ramakrishna Mutt, Kolkatta has laid the foundation stone for the prayer hall. He reminded to follow the teachings of Shri Ramakrishna to improve the moral values in life. K.R.Niranjan, the deputy commissioner spoke as the Chief Guest. He stressed the need to follow philosophical line to achieve maintain peaceful life.Shri Nithyanandaji maharaj ,President of Ramakrishnashshrama , Mysore suggested that the temples should not only be the centre of Pooja performances. The temples should be converted to perform the social service and cultural services Shri Raghaveshanandaji maharaj,,secetary for Shri Ramakrishna mission, Belgaum suggested to pray for the welfare of the nation as a whole..

Photo: Swamijis in dias