Mysuru: More than 300 members of various organisations, including environmentalists and farmers, staged a mega protest in Mysuru on Tuesday against the proposed Kambala event, citing the drought situation, water scarcity and environmental concerns.

The protesters urged the state government to cancel the Kambala scheduled to be held in Mysuru during Dasara and decided to write to Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, seeking that the event be called off by October 12.

The protest was held near the Kambala venue at Saathagalli, close to the Mysuru Ring Road, where preparations for the event continued amid tight police security.

Protesters raise ‘Go back Kambala’ slogans

The protesters carried empty pots and black flags and wore black and green bands on their arms to highlight their concerns over water scarcity and the drought situation.

They raised slogans of ‘Go back Kambala’ and expressed opposition to holding the traditional coastal sport in Mysuru despite representations made to the government and other authorities.

A T Ramaswamy of Parisarakkaagi Naavu observed a silent protest by keeping his mouth closed, stating that the organisation had submitted representations to various authorities against holding Kambala in Mysuru.

Parashuramegowda of Parisarakkaagi Naavu, who led the protest, questioned the decision to conduct the event when the state is facing rainfall deficiency and declining reservoir levels.

He said 301 lakes in Mysuru district had dried up and claimed that the groundwater level had declined by around 5.02 metres.

He questioned the proposed expenditure of around Rs 10 crore on Kambala, along with the drilling of two borewells, use of around 10 lakh litres of water and cutting of more than 52 trees.

Banu Mohan also alleged that park and lake areas were being used for the event.

Farmers question spending amid drought

Representatives of farmers’ organisations also opposed the Kambala arrangements.

Kurbur Shanthakumar, who led the State Federation of Farmers’ Organisations and State Sugarcane Growers Association, said 217 taluks in Karnataka, including all taluks of Mysuru district, had been declared drought-hit.

He questioned whether the concerns of ordinary citizens were being adequately considered while organising a large-scale event during a drought.

The protesters also questioned the expenditure on the Dasara celebrations, arguing that the scale of the festivities could have been reduced and resources redirected towards drought-affected farmers.

They alleged that the government had provided only Rs 2,500 as ex gratia to farmers and argued that funds being spent on Kambala could instead be used to increase assistance to drought-hit farmers.

Environmentalists oppose tree cutting

Environmentalists raised concerns about the impact of the Kambala arrangements on Mysuru’s environment.

Heritage expert and retired professor N S Rangaraju questioned why artificial infrastructure was being created in Mysuru to conduct Kambala when the traditional sport already has established infrastructure in its coastal region.

Environmentalists Ravi Bale, Shylajesha and Bhanu Prashanth questioned the need to compromise Mysuru’s green heritage while celebrating the state’s cultural traditions during Dasara.

They also raised objections to the use of trees on Chamaraja Double Road for illumination and called for greater protection of the city’s existing green cover.

The protesters argued that Kambala, as a regional cultural tradition, should ideally be conducted in its traditional coastal region, where infrastructure and facilities already exist for the sport.

18-member committee formed

The protesters formed an 18-member committee to coordinate their campaign against the event.

They decided to meet again on October 13 and intensify the protest if the government does not cancel Kambala.

The campaign has brought together several farmer, environmental, heritage, pro-Kannada and social organisations.

Members of Parisarakkaagi Naavu, Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha led by Badagalapura Nagendra, Dalit Sangharsha Samithi led by State convenor Guruprasad Keragodu and Bhoomithayi Horata Samithi president K S Nanjundegowda participated in the protest.

Pro-Kannada organisations including Jai Karnataka Parishat, Kannada Kriya Samithi, Karnataka Kaavalu Pade, Karnataka Sena Pade, Gandhadagudi Foundation and Karnataka Rashtra Samithi Party also joined the demonstration.

Several Mysuru citizens, including musician Rama Bennur and writer Sujatha Rajpal, took part in the protest.

Kambala preparations continue

Meanwhile, preparations for the Kambala track and gallery continued at the venue.

A trial of the Kambala arrangements is scheduled for October 12, while the main Kambala event is planned for October 18 and 19 as part of the Dasara celebrations. Police security has been deployed at the venue as preparations proceed.

The protesters have called for the event to be cancelled by October 12 and have warned of intensified demonstrations if their demand is not accepted.

They also suggested that resources earmarked for Kambala could instead be used to provide better assistance to drought-affected farmers and improve remuneration and accommodation for folk artistes participating in the five-kilometre Dasara procession.

The opposition has thus centred on three major concerns — the drought situation, the use of water and natural resources, and the decision to move a distinctive coastal cultural tradition to Mysuru for the Dasara celebrations.