Belagavi: Tourism development in the Gokak Waterfalls area is once again on the agenda. Tourism activities are abundant in the area, but no government has seriously focused on them until now. Nevertheless, the expectations of locals are ticking on it, as it was mentioned in the annual budget.
According to Baby Moger, the deputy director of the tourism department, who visited the spot for inspection recently, there are plans to introduce boating facilities and amusement activities at the base of the waterfalls, where the water flows after a 52-metre drop. She also mentioned the presence of a beautiful park stretching approximately up to 1 km near the waterfalls, which requires landscaping and development that can be utilised for entertainment purposes. One of the major concerns is the reconstruction of the hanging bridge, a British-era structure that local authorities have closed to tourists due to safety concerns.
There is a need for proper repair or replacement of the bridge. The hanging bridge was once a significant attraction for visitors to Gokak Waterfalls. In 2020-21, when local MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi was the water resource minister in the BJP govt, he proposed replacing the hanging bridge with a glass bridge.
However, discussions on this matter ceased after he resigned from the ministerial position. Deputy director Moger stated that the glass bridge proposal has been abandoned due to maintenance concerns and the district minister Satish Jarkiholi’s lack of interest. �.
