RAJAS SEAT TO GET A FACE LIFT;

Madikeri May 17, 2006

The tourist hot spot of Madikeri, Rajas seat would be developed at a cost of rupees seventy lakhs.

Addressing scribes at Talacauvery today, minister for mujarai, horticulture, port and fisheries, B.Nagashetty told that rajas seat attracting hundreds of tourists at Madikeri would be given a facelift by spending rupees 30 lakhs from the Horticulture and 40 lakhs from tourism department.

He said that expert architects and designers would be asked to improve the structure and an entry fee will be fixed for the visitors to raise fund for maintenance. A committee comprising MLA will be formed to maintain the place once the project is over.

People who jog in the area regularly will be issued a pass, he said.

He disclosed that Horticulture development in the district would get rupees two crores. While production of crops, including mandarin would be improved, a specialty refrigerator to preserve fruits will also be installed in Kodagu. Israel manufactures quality refrigerators and their assistance will be sought for the installation here, he said.

The minister earlier performed pooja at Bhagamandala and Talacauvery temples. He inspected the rejuvenation works going on at Talacauvery and assured all assistance from the government. While Kodagu would be considered as tourist destination, Talacauvery would be developed as a holy centre with more emphasis to cleanliness and basic facilities.

The minister also disclosed that the revenue generated from temples doing well in the state would be deviated to improve small temples requiring financial assistance. He also said that the local temple committees should take care of the temples not depending on government for assistance.

Meanwhile, the minister visited a 3000 year old Mahadeshwara temple situated in heravanadu near Bhagamandala. He assured to release fund for the rejuvenation of the ancient temple. President of the temple committee Arambur Vasanth took the minister round.

MLA K.G.Bopaiah and others were present.