Mysuru: Amid mounting opposition to the proposed conduct of Kambala during this year’s Dasara celebrations, the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES) has sought permission from the Forest Department to fell 18 trees at the proposed venue in Sathagalli, where preparations for the traditional buffalo race are underway.
The request comes as environmental groups and several organisations continue to oppose the event, citing concerns over environmental conservation, water usage and the preservation of regional cultural traditions.
Permission sought for tree felling
Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) K. Paramesha confirmed that the department had received a request from DYES seeking permission to clear 18 trees on 17.5 acres of land near the Mysuru Ring Road at Sathagalli.
According to officials, Assistant Director of DYES Bhaskar Nayak submitted the proposal stating that the trees need to be removed for the construction of a cycling velodrome and the development of sports infrastructure.
The request is currently under consideration by the Forest Department.
Land allotted for sports infrastructure
The proposal follows a decision taken by the Karnataka State Cabinet on June 21, 2026, approving the transfer of 17.5 acres of land developed by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) to the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports.
The land, which had originally been reserved for parks and open spaces under the master plan, was allotted for the construction of a cycling velodrome and other sports facilities.
The government order also clarified that lake areas falling under Survey Nos. 85, 88, 106 and 107 would be excluded from the project to protect water bodies.
Officials have stated that the land can be utilised for sports activities and the development of a sports complex.
Earlier FIR over tree felling
The latest proposal comes shortly after the Forest Department registered an FIR against Assistant Director Bhaskar Nayak and two others over the alleged unauthorised cutting of 36 trees at the same site.
Forest officials stated that although clearing vegetation does not require prior permission in certain cases, felling even non-scheduled trees on government land requires approval from the competent authority.
The matter remains under investigation.
Kambala preparations underway
The proposed Kambala event is scheduled to be held on October 18 and 19 as part of the Mysuru Dasara celebrations.
The state government is reportedly planning the event at an estimated cost of around Rs 6 crore.
Preparations have already begun at the Sathagalli site, where infrastructure for the traditional buffalo race is being developed.
Officials expect around 200 pairs of buffaloes from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts to participate in the two-day event.
Authorities estimate that approximately five lakh litres of water will be required each day for the competition, and plans are underway to drill two borewells to meet the demand.
The event is expected to attract nearly 10 lakh visitors over the two days.
Environmental concerns persist
Environmentalists and several organisations have strongly opposed the proposal to conduct Kambala in Mysuru.
Opponents argue that the traditional buffalo race is closely associated with the culture of the coastal districts and should continue to be held in its native region.
They have also raised concerns over the proposed felling of trees, the large quantity of water expected to be used during the event despite drought concerns, the expenditure of public funds and issues relating to animal welfare.
Several groups have urged the state government to reconsider the decision and cancel the proposed Kambala event in Mysuru.
With preparations continuing and opposition intensifying, the proposal remains under close public and administrative scrutiny as authorities await the Forest Department’s decision on the tree-felling request.