Hosadurga farmers, shepherds on cloud 9, MLA arranges chopper rides

CHITRADURGA: It was a ride of a lifetime for a select group of farmers and shepherds, both young and old.

Hosadurga MLA Goolihatti Shekar on Friday arranged for more than 200 rural folks to experience what it is like to fly in a helicopter. He hired a chopper and got villagers to witness the lush green landscape, winding roads, the cityscape and the backwaters of the Vani Vilas Sagar dam.

The helicopter did several sorties as curious villagers lined up to have a glimpse of what their world looks like from up above. The event was organised as part of efforts to promote heli-tourism.

Earlier, a similar exercise had been carried out in Hampi and had elicited positive response from tourists. Plans are also afoot to promote boating activities and an island has been created for the purpose.