Chincholi to be developed as mini tourist circuit, says Priyank Kharge

Priyank Kharge, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, IT/BT, and Kalaburagi district in-charge Minister, said the scenic region around Chincholi will be developed as a mini tourist circuit within the next one-and-a-half years to promote eco-tourism and generate local employment.

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating safari facilities in the Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary and boating at the Chandampalli reservoir, Mr. Kharge said several tourist attractions in and around Chincholi, including Chandampalli reservoir, Gottangotta area and Ettipoth waterfalls, will be integrated into a single tourism circuit.

He said the proposed circuit will include eight to 10 tourist destinations, allowing visitors to explore them through a one-day tourism package. The government also plans to introduce package tours through the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation.

“Infrastructure is being developed to help tourists experience the region’s natural beauty. The Horticulture Department has already prepared a detailed project report worth ₹6.5 crore. A comprehensive blueprint for tourism development will be prepared through coordination among departments such as tourism, forest, agriculture and horticulture. I will shortly meet the Tourism Minister to discuss further steps,” the Minister said.

As part of the initiative, he added, two camper vehicles purchased at a cost of ₹24 lakh have been converted into safari vehicles, while safari roads have been developed at a cost of ₹64 lakh. “Two additional tent houses with basic facilities have been built at Gottangotta for ₹43 lakh. Boating facilities at Chandampalli reservoir include a 12-seater motor boat, two pedal boats and kayaks provided at a cost of ₹14 lakh. Tourism development works worth ₹2 crore under the Kalyana Karnataka Regional Development Board’s macro grants are also being implemented in the area,” he said.

Mr. Kharge said infrastructure development is also under way at tourist sites such as Sannati, Nagavi, Malkhed fort and Kalagi. Residents living inside the historic Kalaburagi Fort are being relocated in compliance with directions of the Supreme Court of India, and the process is expected to be completed within a month, which will help restore the fort’s heritage appeal, he said.

The Minister also said plans are being explored to build jungle lodges and a resort at Chandampalli to enable tourists to stay and experience the natural surroundings, subject to environmental clearances.

Deputy Conservator of Forests Sumit Patil said all safety measures have been taken for boating at the reservoir. “Boat operators have received specialised training from the National Institute of Water Sports in Goa, while 15 local youths have been trained in swimming and emergency response. Life jackets and fire-safety equipment have been made mandatory for all boats. The boating fee has been fixed at ₹175 per person, while the jeep safari costs ₹450 for adults and ₹200 for children,” he said, adding that accommodation facilities, including cottages and additional tent houses near the reservoir are also being developed for tourists.

Earlier, Mr. Kharge inaugurated the renovated Saalu Marada Thimmakka Vrukshavana at Polakpalli, near Chincholi, at a cost of about ₹1.3 crore. He also inaugurated a new Range Forest Officer’s office building constructed under the Land Building Scheme (2021–22) at a cost of ₹37.5 lakh and another office and residential quarters for forest officials built under the 2024–25 Link Document scheme.