Shailaja N

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Sep 2: The musical fountain at Kadri Deer Park, once expected to be a major tourist attraction, has remained non-functional for the past five years. Owing to technical glitches, lack of maintenance, and dwindling public interest, the fountain has now rusted and fallen into disrepair.

Constructed at a cost of Rs 5 crore by MUDA in the old zoo premises, the fountain was inaugurated on January 7, 2018, by then chief minister Siddaramaiah. Though it functioned for a few months, the shows were later discontinued for various reasons, including the Covid period.

The project, initiated under the leadership of MLA J R Lobo and executed by BNA Technology Company, featured colourful water displays along with laser light technology. After Mysuru, Mangaluru became the second city in the state to host such a large-scale fountain. Initially, it drew crowds, but soon technical issues and maintenance lapses brought the shows to a halt.

With no bidders willing to take up the responsibility of maintaining the infrastructure, and discussions on CSR funding or MUDA support failing to materialize, the Kadri musical fountain has remained dry and neglected for the last four years.