Kodagu Pravasi Utsav begins on a grand note

MADIKERI: Pravasi Utsav is being conducted to promote tourism in Kodagu, especially in the aftermath of natural calamity, said tourism minister S R Mahesh after inaugurating the festival here on Friday.
The state government is with the people of Kodagu, and I’m happy to see Raja’s Seat milling with tourists, he said. “The government will complete its five-year term under the leadership of Kumaranna (CM H D Kumaraswamy),” he said.

Meanwhile, horticultural senior assistant K P Devaki said the topiaries brought for the three-day utsav will be permanently kept at the garden. Creepers will be grown on the topiaries and they will be maintained. Fibre figures of dinosaur, tiger, deers, birds, star fish, anaconda, musical instruments, peacocks, elephants, flowers, vegetables and fruits have been put up at Raja’s Seat, much to the joy of tourists.

“We give priority for the development and maintenance of the historical garden in Raja’s Seat,” Devaki said, adding that over 7,000 flowering plants have been arranged for the festival. Bonsai plants have also been placed, and they will also be kept here permanently.

The tourism department will give priority to promote tourism in Kodagu, and tourism centres will be revived for the purpose, said state tourism director Ramu.

He told TOI that the department has sanctioned Rs 1 crore for the utsav. Facilities at Abbi Falls have been damaged following landslide, and they will be repaired at a cost of Rs 28 lakh.