Heritage city Mysuru gears up to welcome New Year with full occupancy, tight security
Mysuru: The heritage city of Mysuru is set to ring in the New Year with large-scale celebrations, as hotels, resorts and clubs across the city report full occupancy amid a surge in tourist arrivals.
According to a report published by Deccan Herald on Wednesday, star-category hotels, resorts and clubs in and around Mysuru have lined up special New Year’s Eve events featuring music, dance, food and entertainment. Organisers have introduced packages ranging from ₹499 to ₹5,999, catering to couples, families and groups.
According to Mysore Hotel Owners' Association President C Narayangowda said, "All 10,500 rooms in twenty-five-star category hotels and 400 hotels and lodges, are 100 per cent occupied from December 24. They are booked till January 2." Resorts around Kabini backwaters and the Bandipur Tiger Reserve have also reported 100% occupancy.
Several hotels and resorts have planned curated buffet menus, live music programmes, DJ nights and cultural performances, while clubs such as the Cosmopolitan Club, Heritage Club, Sports Club and Golf Club have organised countdown events to welcome the New Year.
They are spending the vacation by visiting Chamundi Hill, Palace, Zoo, Dasara Exhibition, among other attractions. Many people have even booked tickets in advance to attend these events on Wednesday night.
Former Vice President of Karnataka Tourism Forum M Ravi said, "In order to compensate for the Safari ban in Bandipur and Kabini backwaters belt, resorts are offering several attractive events, activities and services like spa. They are even taking people on Safaris to Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu and Wayanad region in Kerala."
Meanwhile, businesses such as cloud kitchens, bakeries and sweet shops have reported a rise in advance bookings for New Year celebrations, especially for bulk orders.
In wake of the blast of a cylinder used to fill balloons on Jayamarthanda gate of Mysuru Palace last week, Mysuru Palace board has taken all necessary precautions along with Police to host new year celebrations at Palace premises on December 31.
There will be a Karnataka and English police band concert between 11 pm to 12 am and fireworks from 12am to 12.15am at the backdrop of illuminated Mysuru Palace, said Palace Board Deputy Director, T S Subramanya.
Mysuru City Police Commissioner Seema Latkar reportedly said security has been strengthened across the city to ensure peaceful celebrations. Police have issued guidelines for hoteliers and the public, and additional personnel have been deployed at key locations.
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Rajnath Singh chairs IGoM meet, urges constant vigil over West Asia crisis
New Delhi (PTI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday emphasised the need for round-the-clock monitoring of the West Asia conflict and called for a calibrated response to deal with any eventuality to ensure that national interests remain protected.
Singh made the comments while chairing a high-level meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM) set-up to monitor the situation in West Asia.
The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Power Minister Manohar Lal, Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister J P Nadda, Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi and Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw.
In view of the "uncertain situation", the defence minister underlined the importance of round-the-clock monitoring of the situation and the need to respond in a calibrated manner to deal with any eventuality, an official readout said.
He stressed on the need to leave no stone unturned to ensure that the people of the country face the minimum effect of the conflict, it said.
It was the second meeting of the IGoM after it was set up last month.
The IGoM was apprised of the measures being taken by the government in the wake of the ongoing West Asia conflict, Singh said on social media.
"We also deliberated upon the next steps to be taken by the government to mitigate any adverse impact arising due to the ongoing conflict," he said.
The defence ministry said in the readout said, "In the meeting, the seven empowered groups of secretaries briefed the IGoM on the steps being taken to tackle the situation."
"The IGoM was apprised about measures undertaken by the Ministry of Finance to address concerns arising due to global trade disruptions and provide relief and support to the industry, especially manufacturing, and bolster investor confidence," it said.
It listed measures including notification issued on Wednesday on full customs duty exemption on 40 critical petrochemical products till June 30.
The ministry also mentioned announcement of a special one-time relief measure for eligible units in SEZs to sell manufactured goods in Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) at concessional customs duty rates to be effective from April 1 to March 31.
It also noted another notification issued by the Department of Revenue clarifying that the provisions of GAAR (General Anti Avoidance Rules) will not be invoked in respect of investments made prior to April 1, 2017.
"These measures will reduce cost pressures on downstream sectors including textiles, packaging and pharmaceuticals, facilitate supply stability in the country and provide requisite clarity for investors contemplating investments in India," the readout said.
Defence Minister Singh appreciated the government's decision to impose a 25 per cent cap on the monthly increase in aviation turbine fuel prices for domestic operations, with effect from April 1.
This step will help protect the people from sudden increase in fares, he said.
The government has accorded highest priority to domestic LPG supply, with refinery production enhanced to fully meet consumption requirements, according to the readout.
"The IGoM was informed that there have been no reports of dry-out at LPG distributorships, and delivery of domestic LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders continues as per the normal schedule. The temporary supply concerns arose due to instances of hoarding and black marketing, which triggered panic buying in certain areas," it said.
The ministers were informed that strict enforcement action is being undertaken, with raids being carried out across multiple states and Union territories to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG, the ministry said in the readout.
Action has also been taken against some LPG distributors who engaged in malpractices, it said.
"To support migrant labour and low-consumption households, the government is ensuring adequate availability of 5 kg free trade LPG cylinders, and since March 23, over 4.3 lakh such cylinders have been sold. Special focus is being given to states where demand is higher," it said.
The IGoM was apprised that industrial requirements dependent on commercial LPG are being met, with over 80 per cent of pre-crisis supply levels being maintained to ensure continuity of operations.
"Special meetings have been held with ministries and stakeholders of different industries to understand their demand and meet their needs. Oil PSUs are ensuring continued supply of Auto LPG across the country," the readout noted.
"However, some supply constraints are being faced by private operators due to their procurement challenges, which is why lines are being observed at PSU auto LPG pumps. Wherever the autos are dual feed and can use petrol, they are being encouraged to use petrol," it said.
