Karnataka to launch guided tours inside majestic Vidhana Soudha
Bengaluru: The Karnataka state government has announced plans to open the doors of the Vidhana Soudha, one of Bengaluru’s most iconic landmarks, to the public through guided tours. Expected to begin soon, these tours will allow visitors to explore the historic 70-year-old structure, much like the guided tours at Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament in New Delhi.
This new initiative follows the state's recent decision to illuminate the majestic Vidhana Soudha on Sundays and public holidays to attract more tourists. “The government wants them to see the Soudha from inside and know the history and significance of the building,” government sources were quoted as saying by The New Indian Express.
The Tourism Department had sought approval from the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) to conduct the tours, which was subsequently granted. According to the order, the tours will be available between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Sundays, second Saturdays, and other government holidays to avoid disrupting government operations.
A digital system for online ticket booking will also be developed by the Tourism Department, the report added. While the exact fare for the tour has not yet been finalised, it is expected to be reasonably priced for the public.
Each tour will be limited to 30 members, and the department will appoint a dedicated tourist officer to oversee the entire process. The visitors should mandatorily have a government ID proof like Aadhaar Card or Voter’s ID to enter the premises. Details of all visitors will need to be submitted to DPAR and security officials daily to ensure proper monitoring.
Additionally, necessary safety measures, including the deployment of an ambulance, fire extinguishers, and other precautions, will be put in place. The use of flying drones will be strictly prohibited.
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Allen, Raghuvanshi, Green power KKR to 29-run win over GT
Kolkata (PTI): Finn Allen blasted a 35-ball 93, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi hit an unbeaten 44-ball 82 as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL match here on Saturday.
Sent in to bat, Allen went on a six-hitting spree, smashing 10 maximums and four boundaries to add 95 off 41 balls with Raghuvanshi (82).
Raghuvanshi then shared another 108 off 53 balls with Cameron Green (52 not out) to power KKR to a challenging 247 for 2.
In reply, GT could manage 218-4, riding on skipper Shubman Gill's 49-ball 85 and a 35-ball 57 from Jos Buttler. Opener Sai Sudarsan was retired hurt but returned to make a 28-ball 53 not out.
Sunil Narine (2/29) claimed two wickets and Saurabh Dubey snapped one for KKR.
For GT, Mohammed Siraj (1/50), Sai Kishore (1/38) were the wicket-takers.
Brief Score:
KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Camero Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).
GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Sunil Narine 2/29).
