Mysuru: Here is some good news for those who like to watch the breathtaking views of the heritage city from Chamundi Hill. The District Administration is constructing special protruding platforms at two View Points on the way to the Hill-top and is installing high-definition binoculars for viewers to admire the city from up above to their heart’s content.

And the good news is that the works on the View Points are being undertaken on a war-footing and will be completed before Dasara begins. The vision of the city from these View Points, aided by binoculars, will be spectacular, as it gives a bird’s eye view of the entire city.

Speaking to Star of Mysore this morning, Deputy Commissioner D. Randeep, who is also the Dasara Special Officer, said that the total project cost to set up the View Points is Rs. 40 lakh. While one View Point is being set up at the junction between Nandi Statue road and Temple road, the other View Point is being readied near the WELCOME signs (both in English and Kannada) on the same stretch. The binoculars that will be installed at the View Points will be the most advanced and high-definition types. They have been procured through global tenders and each binocular costs Rs. 15 lakh. While one View Point gives a glimpse of Mysore Palace and city, the other gives a panoramic view of places opposite the Race Course and other important landmarks.

The View Points are being constructed as per international standards following the models of such platforms at other spots. Over 10 to 15 people can stand on the platform. Vertical and horizontal iron beams have been laid supporting each other and are being welded to ensure that they are sturdy and can withstand pressure.

The vertical and horizontal beams have been inserted up to 8-feet below the ground and a 5 to 10 mm iron-and-concrete sheet will be laid on top of the beams. As a safety measure, the platforms will have railings.

“Each viewer will get 90 seconds to view the city through a binocular. CCTV cameras will be installed to film the operation. In addition, we will deploy a security guard,” said DC Randeep.

On the fee to be levied for binocular viewing, the DC said that as of now, they have not fixed any prices. “The doors of the room where the binocular will be placed will open if a visitor inserts a coin. We will fix the price for viewing after seeing the response,” he said.

GOPURA TO BE BEAUTIFIED

The ancient Gopura or Watch Tower (Gaali Mantapa) atop Chamundi Hill will be a new tourist attraction as it is being beautified at a cost of Rs. 45 lakh. Works are being taken up by the Public Works Department.

A beautiful park is being set up around the Gopura with green landscapes. The height of the boundary walls that surround the Gopura will be increased by 2 feet to ensure safety. Cement benches will be installed at the park for the visitors.

The works on the Gopura, however, will not be completed by Dasara and are likely to be completed early October. Here too, CCTV cameras will be installed and guards will be posted to prevent mischief mongers.

4,250 bulbs to illuminate  ‘Welcome’ sign

The ‘Welcome’ sign atop the Chamundi Hill will be illuminated this time with over 4,250 golden yellow LED bulbs. Till now, 25-watt tungsten bulbs were used to illuminate the 150-ft wide and 90-ft high ‘Welcome’ sign. “This time, we will be using energy-efficient golden yellow LED bulbs that will give special effects,” said Muddasir Ahmed and Humayun Sharief of Sunrise Electricals, who have bagged the contract.  “There were 11 tender applicants and we have bagged the contract and we have been illuminating the place since the last seven years,” they added.