BANGALORE: The government plans to clean up and develop the Arkavati on the lines of the Thames in England, Water Resources Minister M B Patil said on Thursday.
He told reporters the government was waiting for a competent agency to execute the project, and would advertise for one in international papers. The Thames is a huge tourist attraction, and offers cruises, boat rides and sports.
Recently, the Karnataka government had called for expression of interest and the proposals had not turned out satisfactory, he said.
The British High Commission has shown interest in developing the river. “In fact, the Asian Development Bank and the Japan International Co-operative Agency are keen to fund this project. Karnataka Niravari Nigam has prepared a detailed project report,” he said.
Where is Arakavati?
The Arkavati originates at Nandi Hills. It is a Cauvery tributary, and joins the river at Sangam, after flowing through Ramanagaram and Kanakapura.