The Karnataka Mining Environmental Restoration Corporation (KMERC) has approved for a total of ₹266.12 crore across five key projects in Bellary, which include two initiatives from the Health and Family Welfare Department and three from the Tourism Department.
The approvals were made during the 17th meeting of the KMERC Supervisory Authority held in Bengaluru on January 7.
Among the major projects, ₹151.82 crore has been allocated to upgrade the district hospital into a 500-bed facility, complete with necessary equipment and staff as per the guidelines set by the Health and Family Welfare Department. This project will include an operating theatre, HVAC, plumbing, fire extinguishing, CCTV systems, ICU beds, dialysis machines, and other essential medical equipment.
Additionally, ₹72.70 crore has been approved for civil works, recruitment, and equipment procurement at the Bellary District Hospital. This includes the construction of a 250-square-meter hostel, 60 staff quarters, a 300-square-meter library, a physiotherapy building, and the installation of a CT scan and MRI machine.
The KMERC has also sanctioned ₹20 crore for the development of a yoga and meditation center near the Sanganakallu archaeological site. The project will feature natural healing facilities, including Unani, Siddha, and homeopathy treatment centers, alongside a meditation area, yoga center, and administrative offices.
For tourism, ₹9.60 crore has been allocated for the development of Daroji Lake as a tourist destination, which will include a park, tourist amenities, shops selling local handicrafts, yoga and meditation centers, and a children’s playground.
An additional ₹12 crore has been approved for creating a theme park, skill development center, and garden in Sanganakallu, a popular site among tourists and researchers. The project aims to create local employment opportunities while enhancing the area’s appeal.
The next step involves the submission of detailed project reports by the concerned departments, followed by the tendering process for implementation.
In a separate update, KMERC also introduced a new logo, which reflects the organization’s mission. The logo will be used on websites and billboards, as approved during the meeting.