Mangalore : CM B. S. Yeddyurappa announced that a government grant of Rs. 2 crore will be earmarked for the development of Guruvana Durga Temple, which is part of the Kedekar Lord Mallikarjuna Temple Complex in Jeppinamogaru. He had arrived at Mangalore to participate in the religious and cultural events organized on May 8, Sunday on the occasion of the temple’s Ashtapavitra Nagamandalotsava and Brahmakalashotsava.
Explaining the government grant, the CM said that Rs. 1 crore will be earmarked for the construction of an auditorium worth Rs. 5 crore and that Rs. 50 lakh will be earmarked for the development of the isle adjacent to the temple. He said that the 146-acre isle will be converted into a tourist hotspot and that Rs. 50 lakh will be earmarked to purchase a couple of launches to ferry tourists to and from the isle.
Expressing his anger at the Opposition for its criticism of his generosity toward temples, he said that he never misused any money in the state exchequer, adding that he is aware of the tourism potential of the twin districts and wants to develop special tourist packages to attract tourists to the place.
The CM inaugurated the Netravathi Auditorium on this occasion in the presence of Yogish Bhat, the deputy speaker; District-in-charge Minister Krishna J. Palemar; MP D. V. Sadananada Gowda; MLC Captain Ganesh Karnik; Coastal Development Authority Chairman B. Nagaraj Shetty; Dr. Mohan Alva, and many other dignitaries.