K'taka unveils Rs 145-crore eco-tourism project at Manchanabele Dam

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government is launching a Rs 145-crore mega tourism project at the Manchanabele dam, located about 40 km from Bengaluru in Ramanagara district. The project, under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, aims to transform the 72.3-acre area into a premier ecotourism hub. Key attractions will include an eco-resort, a business hotel, a viewing deck and a statue of Kempegowda, the 16th-century founder of Bengaluru as per media reports.

The dam, renamed Bengaluru South following efforts by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, will become a significant tourist destination. Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited (CNNL), which operates under the water resources department headed by Shivakumar, has invited tenders for the development.

Two firms Ramalingam Construction Company and Rajashree Electricals-Platinum Developers JV are competing for the project, with the evaluation process currently underway. The development will be divided into three key zones. Arrival zone, spread across three acres, will feature a ticketing plaza, a toy train station, and a smart parking area with space for up to 100 vehicles