They questioned the justification for spending nearly 25% of the total expenditure earmarked for all Dasara programmes for kambala
Nearly 200 taluks in Karnataka are facing severe drought, while groundwater levels have fallen drastically in more than 150 taluks, according to the organisations. They claimed that of the 2,991 lakes in Mysuru district, 2,928 had dried up, leaving only 63 with water. Borewells within a 10-km radius of Mysuru city have also reportedly dried up, resulting in drinking water shortages in several localities.
The agitation will be intensified in phases,” he said. “Why is there a need to organise kambala by wasting more than 25 lakh litres of water and spending around Rs 10-12 crore of taxpayers’ money in such a situation?” questioned Parisarakagi Naavu general secretary Parashuramegowda. Mysuru: Opposition to kambala event during this year’s Mysuru Dasara celebrations further intensified with farmers and environmental organisations announcing a series of protests against the event. “We will soon stage a sit-in in front of Mysuru minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s office at Jaladarshini guest house. Subsequently, we will hold an indefinite protest at the venue where preparations for kambala are under way. We will also launch a signature campaign against the event. Representatives of Parisarakagi Naavu, KRRS, Bhoomithayi Horata Samiti and various Kannada organisations participated in the news conference and criticised govt for continuing preparations for kambala despite strong opposition. They questioned the decision to hold the traditional buffalo race at a time when several parts of Karnataka are facing drought and water scarcity. Thousands of villages are also facing drinking water shortages.
Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday, Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) state president Badagalapura Nagendra said the organisations would launch a phased agitation opposing the conduct of kambala during Dasara.