Daijiworld Media Network – Mysuru
Mysuru, Sep 20: Preparations are under way for the Kambala event scheduled to be held as part of Mysuru Dasara on October 18 and 19, despite opposition from activists over the use of water and other resources amid deficient rainfall in the region.
Two parallel tracks, each measuring 152 metres, are being developed on 17.5 acres of Mysuru Development Authority land at Sathagalli near the Mysuru Ring Road. The land has been allotted for a velodrome of the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES).
A borewell has already been drilled to meet water requirements for the infrastructure, while authorities are planning to drill another. Around 10 lakh litres of water is estimated to be required over 48 hours to prepare the slush-filled mud tracks for the races.
Working president of the Kambala Dasara Committee and Mysuru Zilla Panchayat Deputy Secretary (Development) Bhimappa K Laali said applications have been invited through a notification issued on September 19. Participants can register through the Mysuru Dasara website until September 30. The tracks are expected to be ready by the end of September, followed by a trial run.
Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, who is leading the initiative, said applications had been received for around 200 pairs of buffaloes, of which 150 pairs would be finalised. The event is expected to cost between Rs 4 crore and Rs 5 crore, while organisers anticipate around 20 lakh spectators over the two days.
A trial run is expected to be held in about 15 days, with 10 pairs of buffaloes being brought from the coastal region. A gallery is also being constructed to accommodate around 8,500 spectators.
Meanwhile, the cutting of trees at the venue has emerged as another point of contention. At least 54 trees have reportedly been cleared at the Kambala site. DYES Assistant Director Bhaskar Nayak had sought permission from the Forest Department on July 15 to clear 18 trees in the first phase to facilitate construction of the tracks. Earlier, 36 trees had been cleared by June 26.
The district administration has said Kambala is being introduced as part of Mysuru Dasara to showcase the cultural diversity of Karnataka.
Heritage expert N S Rangaraju, however, said organising a bull race during Dasara was inappropriate as the festival commemorates Sri Chamundeshwari's victory over Mahishasura. He said such events could affect the distinctive character and reverence associated with Mysuru Dasara.
Activists have opposed the event citing drought conditions, expenditure, tree cutting and concerns regarding the treatment of animals. They have also argued that Kambala, traditionally associated with the coastal region and generally held between November and February, may not be suited to an urban setting.
Various organisations led by Parashurame Gowda of Parisarakkaagi Naavu have planned a 'Go Back Kambala' protest during the trial run. Environmentalist Ravi Bale said signatures were being collected from prominent Mysuru residents opposed to holding Kambala during Dasara.
Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar said he was not opposed to Kambala or to hosting the event in Mysuru, but objected to conducting it during Dasara. He said Kambala was an important part of the coastal region's identity and alleged that the State government had not given adequate importance and funding to the traditional sport in its home region.