Mysuru: A joint action committee comprising activists from various organisations has warned of an indefinite protest against the proposed Kambala event during Mysuru Dasara this year, citing drought conditions and concerns over the use of resources and animal welfare.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Parashuramegowda of Parisarakkaagi Naavu said the administration was continuing preparations for the Kambala despite opposition from environmentalists, farmers and other organisations.
He said the activists had already submitted representations to the district administration, Chief Minister, AICC leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, among others, seeking cancellation of the event.
Activists oppose Kambala amid drought
According to Parashuramegowda, the decision to hold Kambala during Dasara was inappropriate at a time when more than 100 taluks in Karnataka had been declared drought-hit.
He pointed to declining water availability, depleted groundwater levels and dried-up lakes, attributing the situation to deficient rainfall.
“At a time when more than 100 taluks are declared drought hit, dams are not full, lakes are dried, ground water has depleted due to deficit rainfall, it is ironic to give so much importance to hold Kambala,” he said.
He also raised concerns over the participation of bulls in the traditional buffalo race, alleging that more than 150 pairs of bulls would be subjected to the event.
The activists maintained that the government should prioritise drought-related needs rather than spending resources on organising the Kambala as part of the Dasara celebrations.
Over 54 trees allegedly cleared
Another major concern raised by the activists was the environmental impact of preparations for the event.
Parashuramegowda alleged that more than 54 trees had been cleared to facilitate the Kambala arrangements at a MUDA park and the ground space provided for the Velodrome.
He questioned the need to undertake such environmental changes for an event that, according to the activists, could be postponed or cancelled considering the prevailing drought situation.
The issue has already generated opposition from environmentalists and farmers, who have urged political leaders to intervene and stop the proposed Kambala during Mysuru Dasara.
The activists said their earlier protests and memorandums had not resulted in the cancellation of the event and alleged that the district administration was instead proceeding with preparations.
Funds should support folk artists, activists say
Parashuramegowda suggested that funds earmarked for Kambala should instead be utilised for other aspects of the Dasara celebrations and to address gaps in support for traditional artists.
“Let them utilise the funds planned to be spent for Kambala to fill gaps like making adequate arrangements for folk artists and give proper remuneration to them,” he said.
The activists argued that providing better facilities and fair remuneration to folk performers would help preserve the cultural traditions associated with Dasara while ensuring that public funds were directed towards broader cultural activities.
Indefinite protest warning
The joint action committee warned that it would intensify its opposition if the administration proceeded with the Kambala as planned.
The activists indicated that an indefinite protest could be launched as part of their campaign against the event, signalling a potential escalation of the dispute ahead of the Dasara festivities.
The opposition centres on three major issues raised by the activists — the drought situation, alleged environmental damage caused by preparations and concerns over the treatment of bulls during Kambala.
Members of the Rajya Raitha Sangha, environmentalist Bhanu Mohan, K S Nanjundegowda, Ma Gu Sadanandaiah and Bettaiah Kote were among those present at the press meet.
The activists reiterated their demand that the authorities reconsider the decision to host Kambala during Dasara and instead focus on drought-related concerns, environmental protection and adequate support for folk artists.