Thomas (Special correspondent)
There is immense potential for Temple Tourism in Northern, Southern and Coastal parts of Karnataka.
There is huge scope for Monument Tourism too, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said and suggested building a Tourism Circuit by integrating the two.
The Chief Minister in his address after launching the Integrated Temple Management System(ITMS) developed by the Hindu Endowments Department advocated the need for a Master Plan to provide amenities at the temples.
Appreciating the ITMS Bommai said, management of temples is very important. Initiatives are needed to record the number of pilgrims visiting the temples and the system to manage the temple assets needs to be streamlined.
Integrated development of temples and reforms in their administration is needed.Along with management, proper control too is needed as it involves the contribution of the pilgrims and assets of the temples.
Action would be taken to redress the problems being faced by Archaks and Priests, Bommai said.
Priority for cleanliness at temples
The Chief Minister stressed the need for maintaining cleanliness and pollution-free ambience at temple premises.
Hindu Endowments Department minister Shashikala Jolle,MLA SA Ramdas and senior officials were present.
