BELAGAVI
Development of tourism in Karnataka to attract Goan tourists and foreign tourists visiting Goa was discussed on priority at Karnataka Regional Imbalance Redressal Committee at the Central Hall of Suvarna Vidhana Soudha here on Thursday.
Officials, entrepreneurs and experts who gave their presentations and opinion at the meeting that was presided over by Prof. M Govind Rao, Chairman of the Karnataka Regional Imbalance Redressal Committee.
The meeting discussed implementations of the recommendations of the Dr D M Nanjundappa Committee report (2007-08), which recommended spending Rs 31,000 crore on infrastructure development.
Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan said Belagavi district is leading in industries such as foundry clusters, aerospace, tourism, textiles, apparel, agro-based industries, and sugar production.
“With a large number of Goan tourists visiting Belagavi region, special measures should be initiated to promote tourism,” Roshan said.
Presidents and activists from various forums also highlighted the need to promote the tourism infrastructure, including reservoirs and religious sites, should be developed.
“We have a huge flow of Goan tourists and visitors travelling to Belagavi. We have so many places of tourist interest like the Gokak and Godchinmalki waterfalls, Kitturu Fort, the Belagavi Fort, etc. which can attract a large number of tourists if developed properly,” Belagavi Hotel Owners Association President Ajay Pai suggested.
Prof M Govind Rao said the committee has identified 40-50 indicators, which will be studied in detail to recommend necessary actions.
“Only four districts in Karnataka have a per capita income higher than the state’s average per capita income. Bengaluru’s higher per capita income increases the state’s overall average, while the contributions from other districts remain below expectations,” Prof Rao said insisting on initiating measures including promotion of tourism that would generate revenue and employment.
Regional Commissioner Sanjay Shettannavar, ZP CEO Rahul Shinde, Superintendent of Police Dr Bhimashankar Guled, Khanapur MLA Vitthal Halgekar, Additional Director of Tourism Soumya Bapat and noted entrepreneurs, hoteliers, industrialists, activists and officials were present for the meeting.
