However, several tourist spots remain in darkness owing to the negligence of district administration and CMC. One such neglected spot — Nehru Mantapa is situated adjacent to Raja Seat.
The Nehru Mantapa was constructed to help visitors to enjoy the nature. However, owing to the negligence of the elected representatives and government officials, it has remained orphan.
The college students of Madikeri have been removing the weeds grown around the Mantapa through shramdan for the last several years. For which, the elected representatives and officials should thank the students.
The green belt in and around Madikeri is fast disappearing, giving way for concrete jungles with resorts and hotels. In this background, it is a tragedy that the department concerned has failed to pay attention towards this Nehru Mantapa, which is a beautiful spot.
In the last few years, Madikeri CMC has been receiving grants from the government. Under Chief Minister’s Small and Medium Town Development Project, CMC has received Rs 5 crore during 2009-10. CMC has already announced the development of parks in the city at an estimated cost of Rs 40 lakh.
While rejuvenating the parks, let the CMC give priority to develop Nehru Mantapa, feels citizens.
The authorities should rejuvenate Nehru Mantapa and develop a small park around it. If a view point is developed, the tourists will also visit it and thus CMC or department concerned can fetch income.
If elected representatives and officials continue to neglect it, then it will soon become another centre for anti-social activities.