MYSURU: Overturning the district administration’s bar on visitors to tourist destinations, district minister ST Somashekar on Saturday said all such spots in and around Mysuru would remain open during Dasara.
In a move welcomed by the tourism and hospitality industry, Mysuru Palace, KRS dam, Ranganathittu bird sanctuary, Chamundeshwari temple and Shrikanteshwaraswamy temple in Nanjangud will now remain open during the festival.
CM BS Yediyurappa stepped in to lift the bar announced by deputy commissioner Rohini Sindhuri, which was opposed by stakeholders in the tourism sector.
The Mandya, Chamarajanagar and Kodagu district administrations too had banned visits to various tourist spots during Dasara and till November 1, given the rising Covid-19 infections in this part of the state.
Late Friday evening, hotel owners and Mysuru Travels Association office-bearers met the CM and requested him to keep tourist spots open, citing huge losses from the Covid lockdown and delayed recovery since movement curbs have been eased.
The CM instructed the Mysuru deputy commissioner to reconsider the decision. On Saturday, though, the minister announced the greenlight to tourists.
Tourists must follow SoPs: DC
On Saturday morning, Somashekar announced there would be no restrictions at any tourist spot; social-distancing norms must be adhered to and masks and sanitisers are a must. Following the reversal, Mandya DC Dr MV Venkatesh said, “Tourists will be allowed both at KRS Dam and Ranganathittu. They must strictly follow Covid-19 SoPs.”
“The decision will help people. Visitors can have a darshan of Goddess Chamundeshwari during Dasara and visit tourist spots. It will protect the livelihood of thousands of families,” said BS Prashanth, president, Mysuru Travels Association.