Activists set October 12 deadline to cancel Dasara Kambala
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Members of various organisations staging a protest in Mysuru on Tuesday (October 6) demanding cancellation of the kambala event proposed during Dasara festivities. | Photo Credit: M.A. Sriram
Opposing the proposed kambala during Mysuru Dasara amid the prevailing drought, various organisations on Tuesday set October 12 as the deadline for the State government to withdraw its decision, warning of an intensified agitation if the event is not cancelled.
The organisations, which have been opposing the event since it was proposed, staged a protest at the kambala venue and resolved to submit a memorandum to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar through the Deputy Commissioner, seeking cancellation of the event.
The protesters argued that 217 taluks in the State had been declared drought-hit and several taluks in Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar and Hassan districts were facing drought. They said the Central drought assessment team had also highlighted a rainfall deficit of around 60% in the region.
They questioned the decision to organise the traditional buffalo race amid severe drought and alleged that the event would involve the use of a large quantity of water when several areas were facing drinking water scarcity. They claimed that the State was witnessing one of the worst droughts in 140 years and questioned the allocation of funds for the event at a time when farmers were struggling to secure water and fodder for cattle.
Former MLA and Parisarakkagi Naavu State president A.T. Ramaswamy led the protest by covering his mouth with a black cloth as a mark of silent protest.
An 18-member committee was constituted under his leadership to chalk out the next phase of the agitation if the government failed to withdraw its decision by October 12. The committee will meet on October 13 to decide on the next course of action, the protesters said.
The organisations had earlier formed a Joint Action Committee (JAC) to coordinate the protests against the proposed event. The government’s decision to include kambala, the traditional slush-track buffalo race of the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, as a new attraction of Dasara, had triggered controversy.
Opponents argued that the event is incompatible with the heritage and cultural identity of the world-renowned festivities. They also questioned the government’s priorities amid the drought and criticised the proposed use of large quantities of water for the event.
In a press statement, the protesters questioned the justification for holding the event at a time when farmers were facing difficulties in securing drinking water and fodder, and also raised concerns over its environmental impact.
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