With state government knocking all possible doors including the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and the Centre to get clearance for the Mekedatu project, many tourists and staffers working with hotels and resorts along the river are against the government’s decision.
They fear that the construction of the dam will submerge most of the holiday spots, including those of Jungle Lodges and Resorts’ Bheemeshwari and Galibore fishing camps. Rafting in the river will also be threatened. The staffers working in JLR and Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) told TNIE: “Once the dam is constructed, most parts of the government properties will be submerged. Ironically, while the private resorts are raising objections, we are unable to say or do anything as we are a government agency.”
The tourists, visiting the JLR and private resorts, have also started to object the government’s decision of constructing a dam at Mekedatu.
However, foresters said they have not yet received any proposal. “No request has been made for land. We know there will be submersion and conservation activities will be affected. We are aware that properties of JLR will be submerged and this will have a multi-dimensional impact,” said a senior forest department official.
Source: The New Indian Express
Photo courtesy: The New Indian Express
