Yaduveer backs campaign against kambala during Mysuru Dasara

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar has voiced his backing for a campaign against the planned kambala (buffalo race) during the Mysuru Dasara celebrations. A delegation from the Joint Action Committee, representing various organizations, met with Mr. Wadiyar on Saturday (August 29) to submit a memorandum urging the government to abandon the proposal.

Mr. Wadiyar informed the delegation that he had already expressed his disagreement with the government's plan to include kambala in the Dasara festivities.

Parashurame Gowda, general secretary of Parisarakkagi Naavu, explained the objections to kambala, citing three primary concerns. Firstly, he argued that organizing the event during Dasara would diminish the festival's grandeur, prestige, and distinctive character. Secondly, the proposed kambala site is said to contain hundreds of trees, a lake, and an ecosystem supporting small animals, birds, insects, and other organisms.

The general secretary alleged that trees were being cut down and the lake and its habitat were being "destroyed" for the event, even though the site was designated for a park. Thirdly, he highlighted the current drought conditions in the state and questioned the justification for holding kambala during a period of severe water scarcity.

Gowda called for the government to prioritize helping distressed farmers and utilize water resources economically and judiciously. He urged the government to organize a more frugal Dasara this year.

In response, Mr. Wadiyar assured the delegation that a meeting would be convened with relevant officials and environmental activists to discuss the ongoing construction of a flyover near Manipal Hospital Junction and the proposed underpass close to Kukkarahalli lake.