The Hindu

Mangalore, Dec 31: B Sriramulu, Minister for Tourism, has said that Rs 95 lac would be released for the development of Pilikula Nisargadhama.

Speaking to presspersons during his visit to the nature park on Saturday, Sriramulu said that he would hold discussions with the officials concerned and release the funds soon.

Of the amount, Rs. 45 lac would be used to complete the heritage village project, and Rs. 50 lac for the development of wildlife, he said.

The Minister said there was great potential for the development of tourism in Karnataka. The State Government had allocated Rs. 60 crore for the development of tourism. The Tourism Ministry had sought Rs. 170 crore in the next budget, he added.

Sriramalu said plans were on to develop a separate package for the development of tourism in coastal Karnataka. A proposal had been sent to the Union Government to release Rs. 8 crore for the development of the coastal belt, he said. Plans were on to popularise this package through FM radio in Bangalore and surrounding areas, he said.

To aid the development of tourism in the State, Rs. 50 crore had been allocated for the development of attachment roads, Sriramalu said.

The poor state of these roads had been a hindrance for the development of tourism, and their repair was essential, he added.

Luxury trains

Sriramalu said that luxury trains, similar to those operating in Rajasthan, would be introduced in the State by February. These trains would help tap the tourism potential of North Karnataka, he added.