Title - ‘Namma Metro should have been underground’

Infrastructure is key to tourism, says Governor

South India can be the tourism corridor in the country and has enough resources to attract tourists from all over the world, Governor H.R. Bhardwaj said here on Monday.Speaking after releasing the second edition of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) South India Tourism Directory 2012-13, he said: “India has tremendous resources which should be put to good use.”

UNDERGROUND OPTION

Warming to his theme, he was dismayed at the slow pace of Namma Metro, terming it a grave injustice to Bangalore.An underground metro would have been a better option, he said, citing New Delhi’s example.

“Even if it was decided to construct it overhead, the government should at least ensure that the work is speeded up,” he said and added that infrastructure was a crucial part in tourism.

There are various cities with great infrastructure that are popular tourist destinations. Fretting over the slow pace of projects, he said. Mysore Road, once a scenic drive, now has only cranes overhead.

GREEN ISSUES

The Governor also voiced concerns over the ecology in the State and saw the need for environmental laws to be put into effect with regard to water. Such laws had to be implemented as there was a threat to the Cauvery catchment area in Kodagu.

He expressed concern over the law and order situation in the city, particularly the rising crime rate. “Every other day I read about a woman being murdered. Bangalore was considered a safe city and such incidents were not so frequent earlier,” he said.