Cauvery Aarti blueprint in a week, launch likely during Dasara, says deputy chief minister

Time of India

25-04-2025

Mandya: Deputy chief minister
DK Shivakumar
on Friday revealed a blueprint for the much-awaited
Cauvery Aarti
will be ready within a week and that the govt aims to roll out the spiritual spectacle during
Dasara festivities
later this year.
Following a meeting with elected representatives and officials, Shivakumar said: "We have formed a committee led by minister N Cheluvarayaswamy to work out modalities of Cauvery Aarti. This committee will prepare and deliver a blueprint over the next 8–10 days. We have discussed broad contours of Cauvery Aarti with functionaries and officials. The committee includes members from Chescom, tourism department, muzrai department, two DCs, two local MLAs, MLCs, zilla panchayat CEOs and BWSSB members. Irrigation department officials will create trunk infrastructure for the event."
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Pressed for a launch date, the deputy CM said, "I am keen to launch it this Dasara. Let's see how soon the committee submits its plan. We inspected potential locations and are obtaining opinions from a technical committee. The location must be close to water and have sufficient space for parking and seating. Artistes need to be accommodated and there will be boat facilities as well. The committee will decide the details."
He pointed out that the cabinet, which met at MM Hills Thursday, had allocated Rs 92 crore for the initiative.
"We are creating capacity to seat about 10,000 people. The committee will decide how many days the Cauvery Aarti will be held. Different departments have submitted reports on respective activities. We will incorporate all of it and finalise a plan."
On public access, he said, "There will be paid and free entry options. We cannot deny entry to the poor. There will be an option for all people to offer prayers."
Responding to concerns over the initiative's impact on KRS dam, Shivakumar, also water resources minister, said, "We will discuss it with organisations who are opposing the initiative. They may have doubts which need to be cleared."
On questions on river encroachment and pollution, he said, "All dams have been surveyed by drones and are marked for maximum levels. The department has also been told to audit assets."
Brindavan Gardens
upgrade
Shivakumar also revealed plans to modernise the iconic Brindavan Gardens at Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS). "We have already called for tenders," he said. "We have decided to form a planning authority including four panchayats. This will not affect the functioning of these panchayats. This authority will only take care of the planning part and ensure that the proceeds from this project are invested back into these panchayats. Seven firms have responded to the tender to develop Brindavan Gardens. We are evaluating the proposals. One of the riders is that successful bidders must prioritise employment of local people."