Splash & dive: Chitradurga damto host water sports from Nov 1 | Bengaluru News
Bengaluru: Karnataka’s first scientifically designed reservoir, Vani Vilas Sagara (VVS) across the Vedavathi river near Hiriyur in Chitradurga district, about 180km from Bengaluru is set to transform itself into a hub of adventure and eco-tourism. Come Nov 1, its expansive backwaters will host a range of water sports, giving a major tourism boost to central Karnataka.Tourism minister HK Patil said full-fledged facilities for boating, kayaking, jet skiing, banana rides, windsurfing and sailing will be launched in the reservoir, which could attract a lot of tourists from Bengaluru. “We had earlier given consent, but clearances were pending with the water resources department. I have discussed it with deputy CM and water resources minister DK Shivakumar, and he has promised to give final clearance. Based on the assurance, we’ve fixed Nov 1 as the launch date,” Patil said.The move fulfils a long-standing demand from the drought-hit Chitradurga region, with plans to promote eco-tourism in the adjoining Uttaregudda Wildlife Sanctuary — a protected 189.5 sq km forest, notified in Dec 2022. The Visvesvaraya Jala Nigam Limited (VJNL), which manages the 1907 reservoir, built by the Mysore rulers, has already approved use of its 8,763-hectare backwaters for tourism.DT Srinivas, MLC from the south east teachers’ constituency, said: “Located just a three-hour drive away from Bengaluru and connected via NH-48, this place will help empower the local community economically and generate jobs.” He described the combination of the reservoir and Uttaregudda Sanctuary as a perfect weekend getaway for Bengalureans.Patil revealed that the tourism department has identified land near the reservoir to set up a Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC)-run Mayura Hotel. “The Vedavathi River passes through Uttaregudda for about 10–15km, and during monsoon and winter seasons, the landscape is as captivating as any Malnad location. I will personally visit the area to explore potential ecotourism initiatives,” he said.The reservoir, fed by the Upper Bhadra and Yettinahole projects, is poised to turn Hiriyur into one of the state’s newest adventure and nature tourism hotspots.
