Bangalore : State Minister for Tourism RV Deshpande has informed that a sum  of Rs 45 lakhs has-been released to the district administrations of Mandya to take up measures to protect tourists  visiting  tourist spots  from drowning. He said under the scheme warning sign boards will be put up, barricades will be constructed and search lights and lifesaving  jackets will be provided.

The minister who was replying to a question from Member Sandesh Nagaraj in the Legislative Council said the steps have been taken in view of hundreds of tourists losing their lives in tourist spots at Shimsha, Muttatti and Balamuri of Mandya district during the past three years.

When Nagaraj said merely putting up sign  boards in Kannada language was not suffice, the minister said sign boards will also be put up in English and Hindi languages. The Tourism Development Committees of Mandya and Mysore Districts have already been asked to take steps  in this regard, he said.

The minister also assured to  request the Police Department to set up a police  outpost at tourist spots and arrange for police beats.

If tourism industry has to prosper, the government has to take steps to protect the tourists from any danger, the minister said.