Cauvery water dispute: Will stir cast its shadow on famed Dasara festivities?
Bengaluru: The agitation in Mysuru and Mandya districts over the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu as per the Supreme Court directions, is likely to cast a shadow on the world-famous Dasara festival which begins in Mysuru from October 1.
The state government was busy in preparations for the ten-day Dasara festival that attracts lakhs of tourists from different states and abroad. However, the agitation in Mandya and Mysuru has become a cause of worry as tourists may stay back fearing violence. Since Mandya is situated between Bengaluru and Mysuru, all tourist vehicles and buses have to pass through this city which is literally on the edge since Monday last. In the past too, Mysuru had witnessed a low turnout of tourists to witness the festival following the Cauvery row. Mr P.V. Giri, who owns a chain of posh hotels in south India including Mysuru, told DC that uncertainty was haunting the city with both Mysuru and Bengaluru totally cut off due to the continuous bandh in Mandya. With hardly three weeks left for the Dasara festival, there are not many enquiries for availability of rooms. In the past, almost all hotels had booking at least 15 days before the start of the festival.
“We are keeping our fingers crossed hoping the Cauvery stir will end soon so that the economy of Mysuru improves.” People from Kerala and Tamil Nadu constitute 45 per cent to 50 per cent of tourists who visit Mysuru especially during Dasara. The remaining tourists are from north India. Now, with the Cauvery stir, the hotel industry is doubtful about a large flow of tourists from Tamil Nadu.
A senior officer from the Department of Tourism said he was optimistic of good footfalls during Dasara despite the Cauvery imbroglio. The state government is taking steps to restore normalcy in Mandya-the epicentre of the Cauvery agitation and peace will prevail shortly, he said
An officer of Mysore Palace Board said: “A minimum of one lakh tourists visit the Amba Vilas Palace to witness the celebrations. Tourists come to see the illuminated palace in the evenings and the priceless possessions of the Wadiyar kings. We will pray for a quick end to the Cauvery row so that tourism picks up again.”
