3 days ago
Concerns raised over proposed hosp site at Kushalnagar Fairground
Madikeri: A meeting of members of various organisations was convened in Kushalnagar to discuss the implications of constructing a 100-bed taluk hospital at the Gundurao Extension Fairground within the jurisdiction of Kushalnagar municipality on Monday.
The Sri Mahaganapati Temple Committee organised the meeting at the Agricultural Cooperative Society auditorium, drawing over a hundred members attached to various local organisations. The discussions centred around concerns about the proposed hospital, which is likely to disrupt existing fairs, religious events, cultural programmes, sports activities, and public entertainment traditionally held at the site.
The meeting assessed various perspectives, including suggestions shared on social media platforms, but there was no opposition to the hospital project itself. Some participants advocated for an alternative location, preferably within town limits.
TR Saravanakumar, president of the Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society, who is also the director of the temple committee, provided context about the historical significance of the fairground and its previous relocations.
The proposed Rs 43 crore hospital project was acknowledged as important for public health. Participants suggested exploring unused lands under public work, forest departments, and irrigation corporation as alternative sites.
VP Shashidhar, president of the Kushalnagar Taluk Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee, expressed concern about the hasty allocation of four acres without proper consultation.
He emphasised preserving Kushalnagar's heritage and suggested submitting representations to MLAs regarding public concerns.
Former zilla panchayat president KP Chandrakala stressed prioritising village welfare over politics and said the matter has to be discussed with the MLA.
Temple committee president MK Dinesh chaired the meeting, and VN Vasanthakumar, BK Muthanna, and RK Nagendra Babu were present.
