Mysore/Mysuru: The world famous Brindavan Gardens at KRS Dam in Srirangapatna taluk of Mandya district, which was shut due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in March this year, is all set to re-open for tourists from Sept. 1.

Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited (CNNL) officials, in a letter written to Mandya Deputy Commissioner on Aug. 8,  said that with the KRS Dam almost full with steady inflows to the reservoir over the past few days, people are visiting the Dam in large numbers to have a glimpse of the splendorous sight of Cauvery River in full flow and water gushing out from the crest gates of the Dam. With the water level of the Dam just a few feet away from reaching the maximum level, people have started to throng the Dam site. As such, it is prudent to open the Brindavan Gardens for the visitors to enjoy the full view of the Dam in all its splendour.

Pointing out that although most of the tourist spots in several parts of the State have re-opened following COVID-19 lockdown relaxations, the CNNL officials said with the closure of the Dam for tourists, the CNNL has suffered revenue losses up to Rs. 1.1 crore a month in the absence of gate collection, vehicle parking fee and commercial rentals. 

The District Administration, taking note of the financial condition of CNNL and also the interests of tourists, should re-open the Brindavan Gardens for the public from Sept.1 with all COVID-19 measures such as maintenance of physical distancing and wearing of face-masks in place, the letter said.

Meanwhile, water level of the Dam is expected to reach the maximum level of 124.80 ft in about a week, with the dam receiving good inflow due to incessant rains in Kodagu, the birthplace of River Cauvery and other catchment areas.