Mysuru: The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has taken up 17 civic works across the city ahead of the upcoming Dasara festivities, with a focus on road safety, damaged roads and footpaths, drainage maintenance and beautification.

With the Dasara festivities scheduled to begin on October 11, MCC Commissioner M.K. Savitha has directed officials to complete the identified works by September 30. The civic body has prioritised several locations that are expected to see heavy movement during the festival.

The works include repairs and improvements along important Dasara-related stretches, including the Raja Marga, Open Air Theatre, the venue for Yuva Sambhrama and the main Jumboo Savari route.

Road repairs and safety works

Road maintenance is among the key components of the MCC’s pre-Dasara works. Potholes and damaged stretches are being repaired at various locations, while patchwork is being carried out at Harding Circle.

The civic body is also attending to loose paving slabs and damaged interlock pavements, with the aim of improving safety for motorists and pedestrians during the festival period.

Footpaths along Sayyaji Rao Road, Ashoka Road, Irwin Road and Dhanvantri Road are being taken up for repairs. Broken tiles and damaged sections of footpaths and walkways around the Mysuru Palace will also be replaced.

Streetlights that are not functioning will be repaired, while damaged balustrades will either be repaired or replaced.

Raja Marga gets special attention

The Raja Marga, one of the city’s prominent ceremonial stretches, has been included among the priority areas for the civic works.

Kerb stones at K.R. Circle and along the Raja Marga will be repainted as part of the facelift. Road dividers, kerbs and medians across important stretches will also receive fresh paint.

The measures are aimed at improving the appearance of major roads ahead of Dasara while also ensuring that key routes are ready for increased pedestrian and vehicular movement during the celebrations.

Zebra crossings and speed humps on major roads will also be repainted as part of road-safety measures.

Drainage and public infrastructure works

The MCC has also included drainage maintenance in the pre-Dasara works.

Drainage blockages will be cleared at identified locations to prevent water accumulation and improve the condition of city roads. The civic body is also taking up repairs to public infrastructure in important areas.

The works assume importance as Mysuru receives a significant increase in visitors during Dasara. Keeping roads, footpaths and drainage systems in working condition is therefore a key part of preparations for the festival.

Beautification of statues and city infrastructure

The civic works also include a beautification component.

Electric poles will be painted, while statues and gopuras associated with Chamaraja Wadiyar, Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, Krishnaraja Wadiyar and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar will receive fresh coats of paint.

The move is aimed at improving the appearance of prominent public spaces before the city hosts the annual Dasara celebrations.

Repairs have also been planned at Vishnuvardhan Park and JLB Road Park. Children’s play equipment in ward-level gardens will also be repaired.

MCC decides against illuminating public parks

In a move aimed at containing expenditure, the MCC has decided not to illuminate public parks this year.

The decision comes against the backdrop of the extensive illumination planned across Mysuru for Dasara. The civic body has taken the view that public parks need not be separately illuminated when the city itself will be extensively decorated and lit during the festival.

The decision is expected to help the civic body limit additional expenditure while concentrating resources on essential civic works.

Works to be completed before Dasara

MCC Commissioner M.K. Savitha has directed officials to complete the 17 identified works by September 30, giving the civic body time to address any remaining issues before the festivities begin on October 11.

The pre-Dasara works reflect the annual push to improve Mysuru’s roads, public spaces and major visitor routes ahead of the festival. At the same time, the focus on road safety, drainage and footpath repairs is expected to benefit residents beyond the festival period.

Dasara attracts large numbers of visitors to Mysuru, with major events and processions drawing crowds to central areas of the city. Ensuring that key roads and public spaces are maintained is therefore important for both residents and tourists.

The MCC’s current programme covers a combination of essential repairs, safety measures and beautification works, with the civic body working against a September 30 deadline to get the city ready for the Dasara season.