Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Jan 1: Popular tourist spot of Mangaluru, Pilikula Biological Park, which was declared as authority, is all set to function in its new role.
All preparations are being made from January 2021 in order for this tourist spot to function as an authority. From April 1, when the new fiscal year begins, it will function as an authority in full scale.
Pilikula was declared as authority way back in 2018. Though Pilikula has enormous opportunity to be the main tourist spot, it is tied up because of its society status and not becoming an authority.
Pilikula biological park project started in 1996. At present it is spread over an area of 370 acres and consists of ultra-modern 3D planetarium, regional science center, water park, boat riding, park of artisans, Guttinamane, golf course, wild life sanctuary and urban haat. This spot is ideal for all those who seek peace on the outskirts of the city.
The main issue of the Pilikula tourist spot is the financial crunch. Due to coronavirus, the gate collection reached an all-time low and the administration is facing the daunting task of even paying the salary of employees. The help rendered by MRPL has given some sort of relief. However, the formation of authority will bring this spot more priority at government level. The grant will be more in budget as per the officials of the biological park.
Former deputy commissioner (DC) Bharatlal Meena and the then KAS officer J R Lobo had worked with enthusiasm to develop Pilikula Biological Park. That is why the spot became popular and also got many projects. From projects like urban haat society, they get a 15% supervision fee. This takes care of the expenses. But now such projects are not coming to Pilikula. Only some staff of the science center are paid salaries by the science and technology department. However, this is not the case with that other staff of the society. Only the gate collection should take care of their salaries.
The current DC is very much interested in making Pilikula a tourist spot as an authority. For Pilikula to become an authority, a commissioner needs to be nominated, formation of staff and budgeting needs to be made ready. There should be three nominated members. The DC will be the president. Pilikula will start working as an authority from January 2021 itself. The executive director will be made as the commissioner.
DC Dr Rajendra K V says, "Though the grant was declared in the budget for Pilikula, the finance department did not mark the funds. Pilikula will be an authority from January itself. A proposal of Rs five crore will be sent to the government for development works of Pilikula Biological Park authority."