BENGALURU: Witnessing the splendor of Jog Falls throughout the year, irrespective of seasons, could soon be a reality with the state cabinet on Wednesday clearing a `450cr investment proposal from Abu Dhabi-based B R Shetty
Group of Companies to develop Jog Falls as an all-season water falls. It has been a long cherished dream of millions of tourists to see Jog Falls where river Sharavathi takes a plunge from a height of 810 feet, into an all-season tourist spot.
Karnataka-born entrepreneur B R Shetty is keen to take up the project to fulfill his desire to develop Jog Falls into a round-the-year tourist spot. The cabinet has approved the proposal, Law and Parliamentary Affairs minister T B Jayachandra told reporters after the cabinet meeting.
The company will have to obtain all clearances, including environmental nod, from various departments before going ahead with the project. The company had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the State government towards this at the Travel Mart of Pacific Asia Travel Association in Bengaluru last year.
The government had called for expression of interest and only two firms showed interest in the project. Later, one firm backed out, Jayachandra said.
The project seeks to build or install systems for recycling of water using pumps to ensure flow of water throughout the year. The Jog Management Authority (JMA) will manage the Falls and fix the fee for tourists, he said. Located in the midst of dense forest areas in Shivamogga district, Jog Falls has emerged as one of the most favoured monsoon tourist destinations. About eight lakh tourists visited the Falls during the rainy season last year.
The cabinet also approved the proposal for setting up Advanced Training Institute for training Industrial Training Institute (ITI) teachers at Ballari. The Centre will provide the funds and the state government will provide land for the institute.