Mysuru: As part of the efforts to enhance tourist experience this Dasara, the district administration has decided to roll out ‘Open-top’ buses, similar to the ones that roam the streets of London in United Kingdom.Tourism minister Sa Ra Mahesh on Friday said that he had received several suggestions to give the ‘Nada Habba’ celebrations in the ‘Heritage City’ a different dimension. “I have discussed some of these suggestions with the district administration officials, and chief minister HD Kumaraswamy,” said Mahesh.Open-top circuit buses, which will provide tourists and locals a glimpse of all the delights that Mysuru has to offer, ranging from the Mysuru Palace to Karanji Lake, has been a longstanding demand among visitors to the city. Sounding a confident note of the buses becoming a reality, Mahesh said, “We will definitely ensure that these buses begin operating before the start of Dasara.”On the other hand, the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) is set to offer more packages for Dasara, as will many private tourist operators. However, Mahesh has taken cognisance of allegations from tourists about private operators providing poor lodging facilities, and compelling them to buy fake artifacts, and even fake Mysuru silk saris.Affirming his commitment to ensuring tourists left Mysuru with nothing but happy memories, Mahesh said, “We will keep an eye on such activities, and initiate action against those operators indulging in irregular practices. We will also aim to provide tourists clean lavatory facilities, and pure potable water at all the important destinations.” The minister also agreed to implement a suggestion from the deputy director of the tourism department, Mysuru to station an ambu;ance permanently at the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) dam.Pointing to the need to replace the fountains at KRS with more advanced designs, Mahesh called for extending the timings of the light and fountain show at the dam till 9pm, so that all tourists visiting Mysuru could enjoy it. He also promised to develop the Dasara Exhibition Grounds to ensure it could host events throughout the year. “We also have plans to develop tourist attractions in Ooty and Himmavu village,” said Mahesh.Heritage direction boards in cityIn keeping with its sobriquet of being a ‘Heritage City’, Mysuru could, if everything goes according to plan, get heritage direction boards, Mahesh said. Responding to a query from TOI during an interaction with the media, the minister said, “We will have boards that are in keeping with the reputation of the city, which is dotted by so many heritage structures including the Mysuru Palace.”Although more than 3.5 million tourists visit the city every year, lack of adequate direction boards results in souring their experience. “The project has been pending for a long time, despite the government releasing Rs 1.5 crore towards it,” Mahesh said.20 tourist spots across state earmarked for developmentThe state government has earmarked Rs 3,000 crore to bolster tourism across the state, which will, in turn increase employment. “We have identified 20 tourist spots across the state for development, including some in Mysuru. In the first phase, we will develop Badami, Aihole, Shravanabelagola, Belur, Halebeedu and Mysuru,” Mahesh said.

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