FIRs to be filed against three resorts for encroachment in Tungabhadra river

KOPPAL: With illegal resorts cropping up beside the Tungabhadra river near popular tourist spots, the regional commissioner at Kalaburagi has cracked the whip on the authorities. The officer has directed the district deputy commissioner to register FIRs against three illegal resorts in Narayanpet and Rajarampet.

While Koppal district Deputy Commissoner Nalin Atul had earlier ordered removal of the resorts, the officer had himself stayed the action, leading to allegations that officials are hand in glove with the owners of illegal resorts. There are several tourist spots near the Tungabhadra river including Hampi, Anegondi and Anjanadri which draw both domestic and foreign visitors. A powerful lobby is also at work, setting up resorts beside the river and sometimes, encroaching into it.

Now, the regional commissioner has directed the deputy commissioner to register FIRs against Hampi’s Feathers, Hampi Whiskers and Hampi Boulder resorts which are said to have come up illegally. The Kalaburagi regional commissioner had earlier sought a report from the Hosapete assistant commissioner and DDLR, which has established encroachment of the river by the resorts. Following this, the directive was issued to register FIRs.