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Karnataka to develop Kolar Gold
fields as tourism spot
by Kestur G Vasuki

     Mysore (Karnataka): To give boost to tourism in the state, the coalition government in Karnataka led by Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy is all set to develop the three-century- old Kolar Gold Fields, popularly known as KGF, as a tourist spot. The move is being seen as a first attempt at mine tourism in the world, and is aimed at showcasing the gold fields as an attractive destination to visit, as it is located just about 100 kilometres away from Bangalore, India's IT capital. The proposed project will be implemented through public-private participation. Tourists from India and abroad will be provided a birds eye view of the mining process. It is expected that an investment of over Rs 300 crore would be required for starting the venture. These mines were started in 1880 by John Taylor and Sons and have been closed since 2001 when they were run as a public sector unit under Bharat Gold Mines. According to L Shantakumari, principal secretary,information ,tourism and youth services, the state government wants to give tourists a feel of the way mining is undertaken at the KGF.

    On the sidelines of the tourism meet organized by the state government and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, she said this effort would revive the local economy and also bring back the mining techniques used to mine gold in the past. KGF is said to be one of the deepest gold mines in the world and British have exploited the mine to the brim before the left the country. The Kolar gold fields, which were essentially teeming with British influence , were also known as Little England. In addition to the traditional British houses, the Kolar Gold Fields boast of a 180 acre long golf course, the envy of most sportspersons, which is another attraction to the global tourists. It will also undertake a feasibility study with the help of the private sector to promote mine tourism in the over 1000 acres of area which was once occupied by British settlers. Equally important, the government hopes to attract British tourists, especially those whose forefathers may have worked in the mines in different capacities. According sources in the government, that this effort would attract a large number of tourists from Britain and Europe. This would help large number of old miners who would willingly act as guides . This effort would go long way in providing alternative employment to the suffering local population who have been affected by the closure of mines.
-May 17, 2006

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