Theme parks, star resorts to come up at reservoirs

Bengaluru: If all goes according to plan, the state could have floating restaurants, theme parks, star resorts and adventure sports at the sites of its major reservoirs, including the Krishna Raja Sagar in Mysuru.

The project has been drawn up by the water resources department, which held a meeting with its officials on July 14  to discuss the possibility of developing the reservoirs as tourist spots under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis.

The Krishna Jala  Bhagya Nigam (KJBN) has already been directed to invite tenders for the proposed projects at its dam sites. Should everything fall in place, a floating restaurant could come up in the waters of the Almatti dam, and a boat cruise organised from the Narayanapura backwaters to Bagalakot through Kudalasangama.

The Almatti backwaters could also be developed into a bird sanctuary should the department have its way.

While the Centre has approved the plans for the Almatti dam site which will cost Rs 470 crore to execute, the tourism department has given its approval for executing the project under a PPP model.

As for dam sites under the Karnataka Niravari Nigam, nearly 105 acres near Bhadra reservoir could soon be home to a theme park, a resort, a restaurant, a golf course, spa and a light show.

The Malaprabha dam site could  also see a makeover with a park and a  resort,  which could cost Rs 12.83 crore to execute. A snow park, food court and various forms of entertainment  have been planned at the Hidkal dam on the Malaprabha river.

But it all hinges on clearance from the government. With the Bhadra, Malaprabha and Ghataprabha projects requiring over Rs 50 crore to carry out, the High Level Committee headed by the Chief Minister will have to give its approval for them.