Mysore/Mysuru: In order to give further boost to tourism in Mysuru region, the Karnataka Exhibition Authority (KEA) has decided to organise exhibitions and fairs throughout the year in the sprawling Dasara Exhibition Grounds.

Addressing a press meet at Dasara Exhibition Grounds here yesterday, KEA Chairman Ayub Khan said that at present the Dasara Exhibition Grounds is utilised for running the annual Dasara Exhibition for 90 days.

Pointing out that though previous Chairmen and officials had made efforts to organise round-the-year expos, it could not happen for various reasons, he said that as a first step in this regard, it has been planned to organise a 2-month summer expo from April first week to end of May.

Continuing, Ayub Khan said that plans are being worked out for holding expos and fairs for at least 6-7 months a year as of now. The tender for the 2-month summer expo has been called, he said adding that the Deputy

Commissioner and the MCC have been appealed not to give permission for conduct of fairs and expos at places other than the Dasara Exhibition Grounds. The DC has responded favourably to the KEA’s plea, he added.

Highlighting the facilities available in the Dasara Exhibition Grounds, Ayub Khan said that the grounds is ideal for holding Educational Institutions Fests, Cultural Programmes etc., and the organisers will be appealed to hold their programmes at the Dasara Exhibition Grounds.

Explaining the KEA’s plans for developing 156 stalls in A Block of Exhibition Grounds on heritage lines, Ayub Khan debunked MP Prathap Simha’s claims that Prime Minister Modi has released Rs. 80 crore for development of Dasara Exhibition Grounds under Swadeshi Darshan 2.0 Scheme. Maintaining that the KEA has not received any such money thus far, he charged the MP of misleading the public by giving false advertisements in newspapers.

Unity Malls in all States of the country

Pointing out that the Centre has set aside Rs. 5,000 crore grant to establish Unity Malls in all 28 States of the country, he said that the Centre has released Rs. 193 crore for Karnataka.

“The Government is mulling on establishing the Unity Mall in Bengaluru. But all efforts are being made for setting up the Mall in Mysuru as thought of by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The KEA officials have sought land near Mysore Airport in Mandakalli or the land in the premises of Government Guest House in Nazarbad. But there are no clear plans in this regard. As such there is no point in MP Simha’s claims that he was responsible for Mysuru getting the Unity Mall,” he said while underlining the benefits of establishing Unity Malls in all the States.

KEA CEO Rakesh Gowda was present at the press meet.