Jog Falls Project to be Completed in Two Years: Deshpande.

The project envisaged to ensure Jog Falls is in its full splendour throughout the year will be completed in the next two years if things go according to plan, Tourism and Industries Minister R V Deshpande said recently.

He was speaking on the sidelines of a World Tourism Day programme organised by the Department of Tourism and Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited.

A Detailed Project Report for re-cycling water in Jog Falls will be ready in the next two months. “Two firms have approached the government with the project. While one is ready to bear the expenses required, the other has sought funds from government for the same. A tender will be floated for the project shortly,” he said.

He said that Vivek Naik of Leela Group has come up with a proposal to set up eco-friendly resorts in a few parts of Karnataka, including Nandi Hills, Sakaleshpur, North Kanara and Kabini. Such resorts, infrastructure for which is ready, will boost tourism to the said locations, he said.

The cable car project in Chamundi Hills will be given a push as the Department was close to finalising the land required for parking at the foot of the Hills. “Once the issue is finalised, the Tourism Department will start operating buses at the venue to ply tourists atop the Hill, so that congestion due to traffic can be avoided. This would also reduce vehicular pollution,” he added.

After open streets in HSR Layout, M G Road and a few roads in Whitefield will soon be traffic-free under the first phase of the programme, he said. During the programme, winners of various activities held on account of the celebration were awarded prizes.

THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS