After a central snub, the Karnataka government has resubmitted its interest to secure funds for developing the religious tourism centre ofChamundi Hillsin Mysuru under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (Prashad) and suggested new tourism circuits under the Swadesh scheme of the Union Government.
At the recently concluded southern region tourism and cultural ministers conclave, central tourism minister G KishanReddyand state tourism minister Anand Singh found each other at opposite ends over the reasons for Karnataka not being accorded funds under the two tourism schemes for development of state circuits. While Reddy had termed it a failure of Karnataka to provide the report, Singh and the state tourism department had said it was a technical rejection.
With over Rs 100 crore of central government grants at stake, the schemes, if approved, are expected to help the Karnataka tourism sector, which is under distress due to the pandemic.
The department has proposed a Smart Heritage idea, which involves an interactive museum and interpretation centre narrating the HISTORY of Chamundi Hills and Mysuru with audio visual aid. The Narratorium will showcase the Wadiyars of Mysuru, souvenir collection stores and a childrens park with the theme ofMahishaandMahishasura Mardhini. It will also have interactive signages, smart parking and information and weather alert systems.
On the Swadesh scheme, the Karnataka government is waiting for the Centre to announce the Swadesh 2 programme under which it is likely to propose at least two to three new tourism circuits, including coastal, heritage and adventure Sports.