Hampi, Mysuru, Lakkundi Shortlisted for ₹800 Crore Central Tourism Development Project
The Karnataka government has recommended three historically and culturally significant destinations—Hampi, Mysuru, and Lakkundi—to the Union Tourism Ministry under the Centre's 'Global Destination Development' project, announced Energy and Tourism Minister K.J. George.
Addressing the press after a State-level consultation meeting in Hampi on Tuesday, Mr. George said the Union Tourism Ministry will evaluate the comprehensive proposal submitted by the State before finalising destinations for development. The selected sites are expected to receive a total central assistance of ₹800 crore, with ₹500 crore allocated in the first phase and ₹300 crore in the second.
The Minister emphasised the government's aim to attract additional investment through public-private partnerships, transforming the destinations into world-class tourism hubs. A comprehensive action plan, prioritising world-class infrastructure, tourist experience, connectivity, heritage conservation, sustainable development, and private investment, will be prepared and submitted to the Union government.
Mr. George stressed the need for coordination among multiple departments for the development of Hampi. 'The development of Hampi is not the responsibility of a single tourism department. A comprehensive development will be carried out in coordination with various departments including the Urban Development Department, Hampi Development Authority, Archaeological Survey of India, and the State Archaeological Department,' he said.
A joint meeting will be convened soon under the leadership of the Urban Development Minister and the Panchayat Raj Minister to find a permanent solution to issues related to Hampi's development.
The government is also committed to organising the Hampi festival on the lines of the Mysuru Dasara, aiming for a grand national and international event. Mr. George said a final decision on the date and programmes of the festival would be taken after consulting the Chief Minister.
