Bengaluru: World heritage site Hampi is a visitor's delight. But squalid conditions, lack of public toilets and absence of information in the historical town are sure to make one cringe. The situation is no better in tourist spots in Vijayapura, Badami and Chitradurga. Even Cubbon Park in the heart of Bengaluru is devoid of amenities.
However, change is on the horizon with corporates flooding the state tourism department with offers to adopt tourist sites. This will ensure better facilities like modern toilets, interpretation centres, shaded parking and last-mile connectivity. The offers have been made under the corporate social responsibility initiative.
"Some of Bengaluru's top corporate companies have shown a deep interest in 'adopting' tourist sites in order to maintain them. But many others have decided to wait and watch since we are yet to come out with the final rules of the adoption policy, which will be decided by the month-end," said Karnataka Tourism Vision Group chairman T V Mohandas Pai.
Pai stopped short of identifying the firms. But senior tourism officials confirmed that companies like Infosys and Biocon are in the forefront to adopt major tourist spots in Bengaluru. "It's easier to sell these sites in Bengaluru. Our bigger challenge will be to promote those outside the capital. We are confident of doing that in the next 6-12 months," Pai said.
Karnataka is looking at developing at least 46 of the total 319 destinations in the state in collaboration with the corporate sector.
According to a proposal, companies can adopt sites after signing an MoU with the government, the Archaeological Survey of India, and the municipal corporations concerned. The tourism department will act as facilitator and coordinator. The destinations or monuments can be adopted for a period of five years; the term can be renewed if the government is happy with the results.
A 13-member committee, headed by tourism minister R V Deshpande, has been constituted to examine and approve proposals received from the corporate sector. "Top corporate companies, including some from outside Karnataka, have approached us. But they want to know the extent of advertising activities and space that will be allowed at the sites," said Chandrashekar Doddamani, joint director, tourism department. He's also the nodal officer to oversee the programme.
The department will come out with rules keeping in view ASI regulations. "The modalities are being worked out in consultation with all stakeholders and should be finalized within a fortnight," Doddamani added.
Culture and tourism expert K Raviraj from Hampi said: "It's a welcome move. But the government should ensure nothing is done to cause danger or bring disrepute to such sites."
Crying for a facelift
The 46 destinations identified for adoption are Badami, Pattadakal, Banashankari, Mahakoota, Aihole (Bagalkot district); Venkatappa Art Gallery, aquarium near Cubbon Park, Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, Tipu Palace Fort, Visvesvaraya Museum, Freedom Park, Muthyalamaduvu, Bannerghatta National Park; Shivagange; Kittur (Belagavi), Hampi, T B Dam (Bellary); Bidar Fort; Gol Gumbaz; Nandi Hills, Tipu's birth place (Chikkaballapur); Kemmannugundi (Chikkamagaluru); Vani Vilasa Sagar (Chitradurga); Shanti Sagar (Davanagere); Lakkundi (Gadag); Belur, Halebid, Shravanabelagola (Hassan); Raja Seat, Abbey Falls (Kodagu); Anegundi (Koppal); Kokkarebellur, Srirangapatna, Brindavan Gardens, Ranganathittu, Balmuri Falls/Sangam (Mandya); Talakad, Somanathapur, Nanjangud (Mysuru); Raichur Fort (Raichur); Mekedatu (Ramanagaram); Jog Falls; Malpe Beach, St. Mary's Island (Udupi); Tagore Beach and Murudeshwara (Uttara Kannada).
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