THE GOAN NETWORK
BELAGAVI
Keeping in mind the large number of Goans visiting Belagavi and to promote tourism in the district, the Karnataka government will promote various tourism sites and pilgrimage centres in Belagavi district.
A decision in this regard was announced at a meeting chaired by Karnataka Law Minister H K Patil at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Belagavi on Wednesday.
Later speaking to media persons, Patil said Belagavi is a popular weekend destination by people from Goa, Southern Maharashtra and other areas.
“The Renukadevi temple at the Savadatti Yellamma Hills is a preferred place of pilgrimage. In wake of lakhs of pilgrims visiting the temple during the full moon day festivals, the district administration has been directed to initiate projects for crowd management, parking, toilets, and LED screen installation during these festivals,” Minister Patil said.
The issue of open defecation is being taken seriously, and necessary toilet facilities and infrastructure will be provided, he said.
With a special sanction of Rs 120 crore received from the Central government and substantial financial assistance from the state government, the development of the Savadatti Yallamma sacred hill will be developed based on the TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) model and a review of Savadatti Development Board was also held, Patil said.
The minister said a project for a rope car at Gokak Falls is being prepared. An 18 km safari route is being opened in the Bheemgad region bordering Goa.
Once operational, Bheemgad is expected to become a major tourist attraction for the tourists of the region, Patil said.
The minister also released a book on tourism-related information during the event.
Commissioner Mohammad Roshan, Superintendent of Police Dr. Bhimashankar Guled, Commissioner of Yellamma Development Authority Geeta Kaulagi, Jt Director for Tourism Development Soumya Bapat and other officials were present.
