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New Indian Express
9 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Karnataka HC to govt: Tech analysis done for Cauvery Aarti, amusement park at KRS?
BENGALURU: The Karnataka High Court on Friday directed the State Government and Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Ltd (CNNL) to inform whether any technical assessment was done on dam safety before approving the proposed Disneyland-type amusement park at a cost of Rs 2,663 crore near Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) in Mandya district. Noting that an affidavit has to be submitted by the State Government, the HC also sought information from the government on the proposed construction of an open theatre to accommodate 20,000-25,000 people and civil works for a parking lot to witness the proposed Cauvery Aarti near KRS on the lines of Ganga Aarti. A division bench of acting Chief Justice V Kameswar Rao and Justice CM Joshi passed the order after hearing two PILs filed by K Boraiah and four other farmers from Srirangapatna taluk and also Sunanda Jayaram, a farmer leader from Gejjalagere of Mandya taluk. They have questioned the May 13 tender inviting proposals from private entities to develop the Disneyland-type project and to maintain it for 30 years. Meanwhile, Sunanda Jayaram challenged the principal approval given by the Water Resources Department on May 3 to CNNL to utilise Rs 92 crore for creating permanent infrastructure for Cauvery Aarti. The petitioners in both petitions contended that the HC had banned all types of mining and quarrying activities within a 20 km radius of the dam till the completion of a study by experts and the decision has to be taken by the Committee on Dam Safety but the safety of the dam has been ignored by the State Government by taking up both projects. Advocate General K Shashikiran Shetty assured the court that the dam's safety has been kept in mind while approving the projects. The court, however, directed the State Government and the Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Ltd to file an affidavit on the conduct of the technical assessment of works of the proposed projects. The State Government informed the High Court that the tender for the amusement park project is yet to be completed and the tender for installing the Cauvery statue is completed and the work order has to be issued. Further hearing is on July 23.
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
PIL in high court challenges Cauvery Aarti
Bengaluru: Acting on a public interest litigation (PIL) by farmer leader Sunanda Jayaram challenging the proposed Cauvery Aarti programme near Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) dam, the high court Friday ordered notice to the state govt, Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Ltd, and others. A division bench comprising acting Chief Justice V Kameshwar Rao and Justice CM Joshi directed authorities to submit a detailed response, including measures to ensure safety of the dam, by the next hearing on July 23. Another PIL, challenging a tender to erect an amusement park at the dam, will also be heard the same day. K Boraiah and four residents questioned the May 13 tender notice to establish non-agricultural commercial exploitation in the dam region, covering about 198 acres and a project cost of Rs 2,663 crore. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru During Friday's hearing, the govt told the court that only a tender pertaining to a 120ft statue was finalised, and no decision was taken on constructing an amusement park. But the court asked if the govt had conducted a technical study or impact assessment, or if it had obtained expert opinion regarding the structural safety of the dam. The court even pointed out that in mining-related matters, the govt itself had contended that no activities affecting the environment were permissible within a 20km radius of KRS dam. The petitioner's counsel argued that the authorities had not properly considered implications of its proposals. He also showed some photographs which suggested that some activities are underway, contrary to the claim of the respondents that no work was ongoing. Jayaram contended that the proposal itself is unscientific as the authorities seek to perform Cauvery Aarti with a gathering of 20,000 to 25,000 people and this entails construction of a stadium for seating and parking facilities for 4,000 to 5,000 vehicles. The petitioner claimed these developments could potentially compromise dam safety, cause water contamination, and disturb ecological equilibrium.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Farmers' forums in Mandya announce boycott of meeting on Cauvery Aarti
Mandya: Leaders of various farmers' organisations in Mandya district have announced their decision to boycott the meeting convened by district minister N Cheluvarayaswamy in Bengaluru on Wednesday. The meeting was called to discuss the proposed Cauvery Aarti and amusement park projects at the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) dam. The decision was made during a meeting on Tuesday at the Mandya city guest house, chaired by Sunanda Jayaram, organising secretary of the Mandya District Farmers' Welfare Committee. Leaders criticised the decision to hold discussions in Bengaluru, calling it "inappropriate" and insisting that the matter must be resolved in Mandya itself, as decided earlier. You Can Also Check: Mysuru AQI | Weather in Mysuru | Bank Holidays in Mysuru | Public Holidays in Mysuru "We stand firmly opposed to both the Cauvery Aarti and the amusement park projects, which pose a threat to the safety and sanctity of the dam," the leaders stated. They emphasised that a wide range of groups—including farmers, Dalit organisations, labour unions, women's rights groups, Kannada language advocates, and progressive forums—are united in their opposition. The leaders recalled a prior meeting on June 6 in Mandya, chaired by the minister, where farmers and civil society members outlined the environmental and structural concerns linked to the proposed projects. At that time, the minister assured attendees that their concerns would be conveyed to the chief minister and deputy chief minister and promised a follow-up based on their response. However, the farmers now express dissatisfaction with the lack of concrete action and view the new meeting in Bengaluru as a disregard for the previous assurances. Prominent farmer leaders, including Kempu Gowda, Indavalu Chandrashekhar, Borayya, KS Sudhir Kumar, MB Nagannagowda of the Karunada Sevaka Organisation, Karave district president HD Jayaram, and Raita Sangha's Muddegowda, were present and reaffirmed their united stance against the projects.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Preliminary work begins at KRS dam despite opposition
Mandya: Despite strong opposition from farmers, locals, and various organisations, preliminary work on the controversial Cauvery Aarti project has commenced quietly at Brindavan Gardens in the near Mysuru. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This development sparked fresh outrage among stakeholders, particularly given the assurances made by the district administration just days earlier. During a meeting on Friday, in the zilla panchayat, district minister N Cheluvarayaswamy acknowledged the widespread opposition to the Rs 92 crore project. He praised the united stand by farmers and local groups and assured that the matter would be taken up with the deputy chief minister and chief minister before proceeding further. However, contradicting those assurances, groundwork for the project began over the weekend. Workers from Gadag and Hassan have been engaged on-site, for the past three days. The area earmarked for the project is located near the boathouse. When this reporter from TOI visited KRS on Monday, it came to light that initial activities as tree felling, and land levelling have already started. When questioned, one of the workers confirmed, "We have been working here for the last three days for the Cauvery Aarti project. " There are nearly 20 to 25 workers involved in the preliminary work. As part of the preliminary work, a few trees have already been cut. Farmer leader Sunanda Jayaram, who has been at the forefront of the opposition expressed deep disappointment over the sudden developments. Upon learning that the work was ongoing on Monday, she contacted the district minister, who once again promised immediate action to halt the project, she said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now However, even after her call in the morning, preliminary work, including marking, reportedly continued unabated. Speaking to TOI, Sunanda Jayaram said, "During Friday's meeting, the minister assured us that the govt would not proceed without consulting the DCM and CM. But on Monday, we saw work had already begun. I called the district minister immediately, and he assured us that he would stop the work. If this continues, we will be forced to protest in front of the dam. We don't need a project that puts the safety of the dam and the environment at risk. Mysugar factory revival and Agriculture University by district minister Chaluvarayaswamy we welcomed, but this projects are against the people and environment, and hence we are opposing it. If the work still continues, we will stage an indefinite protest at the KRS dam," she said.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Opposition to Cauvery Aarti & amusement park at KRS grows
Mandya: Public opposition is growing over govt-proposed development projects at the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam, with concerns raised about potential threats to its structural integrity and the surrounding environment. Farmer leaders, local residents and environmental advocates are voicing strong resistance, accusing the authorities of ignoring public sentiment and risking the safety of a critical water infrastructure. Activists said they are not going to permit Cauvery Aarti and an amusement park at KRS Dam. During a meeting held at Kaveri Hall, district minister N Cheluvarayaswamy faced criticism from farmer leaders, including Sunanda Jayaram. The meeting, intended to discuss the proposed Cauvery Aarti and an amusement park near the dam, quickly turned contentious. Jayaram issued a stern warning to the state govt, saying, "This is a struggle for the next generation. We will not allow this project under any circumstances. " Locals echoed this sentiment, questioning the transparency of the decision-making and demanding to know who was consulted before planning the project. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scam Exposed: What They Won't Tell You about zero trust! Expertinspector Click Here Undo Notably, the absence of the deputy chief minister drew criticism. "He will not be allowed to come," some attendees said, demanding accountability and the presence of all representatives concerned, including the local Member of Parliament. Environmental concerns were also at the forefront. Residents warned of potential water and air pollution near the dam and challenged the legitimacy of any environmental impact assessments conducted. The proposal to hold a camphor aarti and invest Rs 100 crore in cultural and beautification drew sharp scrutiny. "Who asked for a cultural programme near the dam?" asked one attendee, criticising the project as unnecessary and wasteful. Allegations of political inconsistency were directed at MLAs from Pandavapura and Srirangapatna, with claims they shift their stance based on the audience. After the meeting, Cheluvarayaswamy said strong opposition was voiced against both the Cauvery Aarti and amusement park components. He said no construction or development work has begun and reassured the public that further consultations would be held before any final decision is made. "The farmers have said 'no' for now, but may agree later," the minister remarked, indicating that the matter remains open for discussion. He emphasised the govt's intent to resolve the issue peacefully and collaboratively, stating: "There is no intention to force anything here."
