From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Aug 17: Abu Dhabi based Dr B R Shetty of NMC Group of Companies has decided to invest Rs. 450 crore for developing the world famous Jog Falls, where river Sharavathi takes a plunge from a height of 810 feet, into an all-season tourist spot.

A State Cabinet meeting, presided by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on Wednesday approved a detailed project report of the company and asked Dr Shetty to go ahead with the project.

He, however, has to obtain all clearances, including environment, from various departments.

A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with the State Government for taking up the venture at the Travel Mart of Pacific Asia Travel Association in Bengaluru, 2015.

The State Government had called expression of interest and only two firms showed interest.

B R Shetty

Of the two firms, which had evinced interest, one had backed out.

But B R Shetty showed the interest as he wanted to contribute to the State, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T B Jayachandra told presspersons after the meeting here on Wednesday.

The project report was planned to ensure flow of water along the falls round-the-year by adopting water re-cycling technology.

The four distinct cascades - named Raja, Roarer, Rocket and Rani — take a gigantic plunge from a dizzying height, making them one of the best known geographical features in the country.

The Jog Management Authority (JMA) would manage the Falls and fix the fee for tourists, the minister explained.