Stone sculptures beautify Almatti dam area for tourists

The Krishna Bhagya Jal Nigam Limited (KBJNL) is improving the Almatti dam area by adding stone sculptures and other features for visitors. The new installations aim to create a beautiful setting and attract more tourists. The sculptures welcome guests in key locations such as Almatti, Nidagundi, and nearby villages. Additionally, stone mandaps have been placed in gardens, and bird baths are designed to attract birds. Visitors can relax on specially crafted Maharaj benches throughout the area. Mahesh Patil, a forest officer with KBJNL, explained that these sculptures are part of an effort to elevate Almatti's gardens to the level of well-known tourist destinations. The sculptures, created by Mysuru sculptor Dr. A Devaraju, were installed at various garden sites for approximately Rs 42 lakh. To help birds during the hot summer months, 45 stone bird baths were also added at a cost of Rs 11.3 lakh. Tourists can now see birds using these baths for drinking and bathing. The area also includes 70 benches of various styles, ranging in cost from Rs 60,000 to 2.5 lakh. Visitors like Shivanand Byadagi and Shiddu Hiremath appreciate the aesthetic improvements, including Victorian model flowerpots that have been placed throughout the site. They noted that these stone structures have greatly enhanced the beauty of the Almatti dam area.