With hardly a few days left for the beginning of monsoon package, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) is deeply worried about lack of rains across the state. They are keeping their fingers across hoping that the rain god smiles at Karnataka at least now.
Every year, thousands of people across the state, visit popular natural falls such as Jog, Shivanasamudra, Muttodi and Gokak to enjoy the nature. KSTDC also raises to the occasion and operates a number of vehicles to these tourist destinations.
However, this year, it is a different picture. More than 120 taluks, out of the total 176 taluks, are facing drought situation. Rains are playing truant.
The monsoon, which was supposed to start during the first week of June, is delayed almost by eight weeks. The inflow of water into all major reservoirs has been very low. Some of the natural falls such as Jog and Shivanasamudra, that used to be in full force by this time every year, look absolutely dried up. There is no sign of rain even in the Western Ghats which is supposed to get a maximum rains during south-west monsoon season.
“We are optimistic that the State would receive good showers at least in the coming days. The KSTDC is ready with its Monsoon tour package, and will operate its fleet of buses to various tourist destinations once the rains start. For the first time, they have identified new places like Mutyalamadu near Bangalore and Sangam near Kanakpur of Ramanagaram districts as part of one day tour. They have developed the government property and it will be a nice place for people to spend. But it will be nice to visit these places only during rainy season,” said Dr C D Dyavaiah, managing director of KSTDC.
“Compared to previous years, this year, the amount of rain the State used to receive has been negligiable. During this season, they usually operate the buses to natural falls especially Jog falls in Shimoga district. Because of scanty rains, there are no enquiries from tourists. Who likes to spend money to see the empty falls. We may feel the pinch if it does not rain in next 10-15 days,” he added.
The MD said the KSTDC, recently, has introduced a new hiring scheme to help tourists. Accordingly, a group of people select the places of their choice and hire the vehicles owned by the Corporation by paying prescibed fee. The KSTDC has 52 vehicles of all types to suit the needs of tourists. Four to five families can jointly hire a 34-seater air-conditioned bus for any number of days. They could stay in the guest houses owned by the KSTDC at many places or any hotel of their choice. The Corporation will provide the services of a driver and a guide. The purpose of this scheme was to bring tourists close to the department.
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