K’taka tourism ministry will ensure tourism experiences to common man'

Rithu Dravid & Maqsood Maniyar| NT

In an exclusive interview with News Trail, HK Patil, Minister of Law and Parliamentary Affairs and Tourism, shared his vision and future plans for the state with regard to tourism in particular.

Mr Patil has been instrumental in shaping the legal landscape of the state and fostering its tourism sector.

He specifically talks about promoting tourism activities for common people, school children and farmers. Here are excerpts.

Q: How do you plan to enhance the tourism sector in Karnataka? Has enough been done to develop tourism spots?

The Karnataka tourism slogan reads ‘One state many worlds.’ We promote tourism by projecting its archaeology, culture and heritage.

The state is very rich in heritage tourism and our coastline stretches up to nearly 320 kms.

There is a lot of scope for adventure sports. As a pilgrimage destination, we are probably next to Tamil Nadu.

We have worship places like the Renukaa Yellamma Temple, Chamundeshwari Temple, Manjunatheshwara Temple, Varalamma Temple etc. However, we have not exploited the full potential in Karnataka.

We have not created the required infrastructure as well. Once we create the necessary infrastructure, I am sure we will be the best premier travel destination.

We are looking at ways to ensure that the lower, middle class or a common man can explore these tourism opportunities and experiences.

Many countries and states are focusing only on luxury tourism where the rich alone can visit such spots. But we will focus on giving common man more opportunities to visit tourist places.

The Shakti Scheme in Karnataka has played an instrumental role by encouraging citizens to travel and boosted tourism.

Cities like Mysuru, which is noted for its ancient temples and religious places, are experiencing huge footfalls.

Q: How does the government plan to develop the beaches?

We have decided to take up development work along the 320 Km stretch coastline stretch in the districts of Dakshina Kannada (62 km of coastline), Udupi (98 km) and Uttara Kannada (160 km).

Over the next three months the development project, under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model will be initiated and offered as a tourist package to visitors.

Q: What are the strategies to attract foreign travelers and NRIs to Karnataka?

The historic spots like Hampi, Pattadakal, Badami, Belur, Halebidu, Somanathapura have attracted lakhs of visitors from outside.

The port city Karwar with its charming beaches is a big draw with local, national and international tourists throughout the year. Places like Lakkundi, Ivoli etc are sought after destinations.

I would like to emphasize that the Renukaa Yellamma Devi Temple at Saundatti in Belagavi district has an astonishing annual footfall of 1.25 crore, the highest in the country.

Q: Any efforts by the tourism ministry to restore heritage sites?

We can boast of having 25,000 monuments in the state, both small and big. However, the government alone cannot manage, restore and conserve these monuments.

We are trying to rope in people (society) at large. The Venkatappa Art Gallery in Bengaluru is under restoration and the work is being carried out by the Brigade Group.

Q: How can we make Karnataka the tourist capital of India and a major global tourist destination?

We have numerous attractions and destinations, including hill stations, beaches, iconic temples offering architectural marvels with religious significance, wildlife sanctuaries, scenic waterfalls, and world heritage sites.

We have now tendered for recreation of 100 places to provide basic amenities, like toilets, eateries and so on as a tourism friendly measure.

Q: Coming to politics, what are the Congress prospects in the coming Lok Sabha polls?

The Congress will perform well electorally because it had made lives easier for the poor by way of the five guarantees.

I don’t think the PM-led BJP juggernaut would storm to another victory just based on the saffron party’s performance in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan.

We have implemented the five guarantees and one lakh families have been brought above the poverty line. We are giving universal basic income to the extent of Rs 5,000 a month to a family, which makes it Rs 60,000 (yearly).

That has brought up these one crore plus people. The guarantees have reached nearly all applicants in Gadag district of which I am in-charge minister.

Q: Is the Congress facing a dearth of candidates for the