Farmers oppose proposed Cauvery Aarti

Mandya: This year, the Cauvery Aarti on Brindavan Gardens premises, KRS dam in Srirangapatna, starting from Oct 2 until the conclusion of illumination in Mysuru city, will be the major attraction of the Dasara festival in Mysuru. According to Srirangapatna MLA AB Ramesha Bandisiddegowda and MLC Dinesh Gooligowda, the first Cauvery Aarti will be held on Oct 2. "After the end of the Dasara illumination, it will be held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays," explained Gooligowda."The Cauvery Aarti will be held behind the boating yard in the Brindavan Gardens. A seating capacity for about 10,000 people will be made," he said.Ramesha explained that the cultural programmes by local, state, and national level artistes, both before and after the Cauvery Aarti, a laser show, and musical fountains will be the key attractions. "The Cauvery Aarti will be held on all days during Dasara and illumination in the Mysuru city," explained the MLA, who is also the chairman of the CESC Mysuru.According to the authorities, Rs 92 crore will be spent on this new initiative. "Many govt departments will bear the cost. They will also get a share of the revenue. Basically, there will not be any burden on any departments," said Ramesha."Cauvery Aarti is planned to offer our gratitude to Mother Cauvery, who is the lifeline for crores of people and farmers. It will also promote tourism activities in the region along with job creation and support for the local economy," said Gooligowda.Meanwhile, farmers of the district have decided to oppose the proposal and urged Bengalureans, who are the beneficiaries of the KRS dam water, to raise their voice against this water-polluting initiative. "Definitely, we will not allow this to happen," said Sunanda Jayaram, a farmers' leader. "We have already appealed to the CM in this regard. We don't know why this scheme, which will promote superstitious beliefs among the people, is proposed," she said."The state govt is coming out with a number of projects centering on the KRS dam, which raises suspicion. We fear people with vested interests are trying to encroach on public properties," she said. "KRS dam water is a lifeline for crores of people. Cauvery Aarti and other schemes and projects affect the water quality. The residents of Bengaluru must raise their voice," she said.