Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar announced final approval for two key tourism projects in Mysuru under the Union Tourism Ministry’s Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme. The approval came after his meeting with Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on December 9 in New Delhi. The projects, implemented by Karnataka Tourism Infrastructure Limited (KTIL), include the Ecological Experience Zone costing ₹18.47 crore and the Tonga Ride Heritage Experience Zone costing ₹2.71 crore. Expressing happiness, Mr. Wadiyar said, "These initiatives would significantly boost the tourism potential of Mysuru." He also said that instructions have been sent to the Deputy Commissioner to fix a date for the groundbreaking ceremony. He added, "The Union Minister has assured full cooperation for the projects." Ongoing efforts will continue to get clearances for other tourism proposals linked to Mysuru. Swadesh Darshan 2.0 aims to promote sustainable and responsible tourism. Mysuru, along with Hampi, is one of 57 destinations in this scheme, as per the Press Information Bureau. The Ecological Experience Zone will link Mysuru Zoo, Karanji Lake, and the Regional Museum of Natural History, improving the ecological landscape. The Tonga Ride Heritage Experience zone aims to revive Mysuru’s traditional tonga culture. Once, Mysuru had hundreds of tongas, but only about 50 tongas and 20 sarots remain now due to declining patronage. Tongas like the famous Shah Pasand tonga are mainly used during the Dasara festival when tourists enjoy heritage rides that celebrate Mysuru’s cultural past.