Mysuru: Members of several organisations have urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to intervene and oppose the proposed staging of Kambala during Mysuru Dasara, citing water scarcity, drought conditions and concerns over environmental damage.

The appeal comes days after a delegation led by MLA Darshan Puttannaiah met former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and reportedly urged him to advise Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to withdraw the proposal to conduct the traditional buffalo race in Mysuru.

In a letter dated September 7, 2026, members of the Joint Action Committee sought Rahul Gandhi’s intervention and requested that he advise the Chief Minister to drop the proposal.

Organisations oppose Kambala proposal

The Joint Action Committee comprises members of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, Dalit Sangharsha Samiti, Parisarakkagi Naavu and Bhoomithayi Horata Samiti.

The organisations clarified that their opposition was not directed at cultural exchange or programmes showcasing the art and traditions of different parts of Karnataka. They said cultural programmes could be organised during Dasara without damaging the environment or affecting the traditional identity of the Mysuru festival.

However, they strongly opposed conducting a large-scale Kambala event in the city under the prevailing environmental and agricultural conditions.

Drought concerns cited

The organisations highlighted the drought situation across Karnataka as one of the primary reasons for opposing the event.

According to the letter, 101 taluks have already been declared drought-hit, while around 60 more taluks could potentially be added to the list. The organisations said farmers in several parts of the state were facing severe difficulties, with standing crops withering and agricultural activities affected by inadequate rainfall.

They also pointed to the drinking water situation in Mysuru. Several borewells in and around the city have reportedly dried up, contributing to concerns over the availability of drinking water.

The groups argued that the government should prioritise water conservation and the needs of farmers and residents instead of allocating large quantities of water for a temporary sporting event.

Water use and land clearing questioned

The proposed Kambala event has also triggered concerns over the amount of water and land that would be required to create a suitable slush track.

The organisations claimed that around 25 acres of land would have to be cleared of vegetation for constructing the tracks. They further alleged that lakhs of litres of water could be required for preparing the slush track.

The groups questioned the decision to use such large quantities of water for a two-day event at a time when several areas are experiencing water shortages.

They also claimed that around 400 buffaloes and thousands of handlers would be brought to Mysuru for the event, adding to the scale of the proposed arrangement.

Cauvery dispute adds to concerns

The organisations also referred to the continuing dispute over Cauvery river water.

With water availability remaining a sensitive issue in Karnataka, they argued that organising a water-intensive event could send the wrong message at a time when authorities are dealing with concerns over drinking water and agricultural requirements.

The groups maintained that the government’s focus should remain on addressing water scarcity and supporting farmers rather than undertaking activities that could potentially place additional pressure on available water resources.

Kambala proposed to boost tourism

The Karnataka government had proposed conducting Kambala during Mysuru Dasara as part of efforts to attract more tourists and introduce visitors to the traditional sporting culture of coastal Karnataka.

Kambala is a traditional buffalo race associated primarily with the coastal region of Karnataka. The proposal to bring the event to Mysuru was seen as an attempt to expand the Dasara cultural experience and attract visitors through additional sporting and cultural activities.

However, environmental groups and other organisations have been opposing the proposal from the beginning.

The critics have raised concerns about the alleged requirement to clear vegetation, use large quantities of water and make extensive arrangements for transporting buffaloes and accommodating handlers.

Groups seek intervention from Rahul Gandhi

Through their letter, the Joint Action Committee members have asked Rahul Gandhi to intervene in the matter and advise the Chief Minister to withdraw the proposal.

Their appeal follows the meeting between MLA Darshan Puttannaiah-led representatives and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The delegation had reportedly requested Siddaramaiah to use his influence to persuade the government to reconsider the plan.

The latest appeal indicates that opposition to the proposed Kambala event is growing among groups concerned about agriculture, the environment and water resources.

Cultural exchange not opposed, say organisations

The organisations stressed that their stand should not be interpreted as opposition to the cultural traditions of coastal Karnataka.

They said Mysuru Dasara could continue to feature cultural programmes from different regions of the state, allowing people to experience Karnataka’s diverse traditions.

Their objection, they said, was specifically to conducting an event that they believe could involve environmental disturbance and significant water consumption during a period of drought and water scarcity.

The groups have therefore urged the government to consider alternative cultural programmes that can showcase coastal Karnataka’s heritage without placing additional pressure on natural resources.

Decision remains under scrutiny

The proposal to conduct Kambala during Dasara has now become a point of debate between the government’s tourism objectives and concerns raised by environmental and farmers’ organisations.

While the government has sought to use the event to attract tourists and broaden the cultural appeal of Dasara, the Joint Action Committee has argued that the prevailing drought and water situation makes the proposal inappropriate.

The organisations have called for the proposal to be withdrawn and for the government to focus instead on water conservation, farmers’ welfare and the drinking water needs of residents.

The government’s response to the latest appeal and whether the proposed Kambala event will proceed as planned are now being closely watched.