Mysuru: Preparations are progressing for the Kambala event proposed as part of Mysuru Dasara on October 18 and 19, even as activists and environmental groups have raised objections over water use, tree cutting and the suitability of holding the traditional coastal buffalo race in Mysuru during a period of deficient rainfall.

The event is being organised at a 17.5-acre Mysuru Development Authority (MDA) layout site at Sathagalli near the Mysuru Ring Road. The land had been allotted for a velodrome under the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES).

Two 152-metre tracks being prepared

Two parallel tracks, each measuring 152 metres, are being prepared at the site. Organisers have said the tracks are expected to be ready by the end of September, followed by a trial run.

A borewell has already been drilled to meet the water requirements for infrastructure work, while the authorities are reportedly planning another borewell.

The Kambala tracks require large quantities of water to create the slush-filled surface needed for the races. According to officials involved in the preparations, around 10 lakh litres of water would be required over 48 hours for the tracks.

The use of water for the event has become one of the main points of contention among activists, particularly as 124 taluks in Karnataka have reportedly been declared drought-affected, including eight in Mysuru district.

150 pairs of buffaloes expected

Kambala Dasara Committee working president and Mysuru Zilla Panchayat Deputy Secretary, Development, Bhimappa K Laali said applications had been invited from participants through the Mysuru Dasara website, with September 30 set as the deadline.

Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, who is leading the initiative, said applications had been received for around 200 pairs of buffaloes, although the organisers plan to select 150 pairs.

The event is expected to attract around 20 lakh spectators over the two days, according to Rai. He said the organisers are expecting an expenditure of around Rs 4 crore to Rs 5 crore.

A trial run is planned in about 15 days, with 10 pairs of buffaloes expected to be brought from the coastal region for the exercise.

A gallery with a capacity of around 8,500 people is also being constructed at the venue.

Tree cutting, water use draw criticism

The preparations have attracted criticism from environmental activists. At least 54 trees have reportedly been cleared at the site so far.

DYES Assistant Director Bhaskar Nayak had sought permission from the Forest Department on July 15 to clear 18 trees in the first phase to facilitate construction of the Kambala tracks. Earlier, 36 trees had reportedly been cleared by June 26.

Activists have questioned the use of land they say is designated for a park or open space under the MDA master plan. They have also raised concerns over the use of water and alleged cruelty to animals.

They argue that Kambala is traditionally associated with the coastal region and is generally conducted between November and February as part of the agricultural and harvest-season traditions there.

Heritage concerns over Dasara

Heritage expert N S Rangaraju has also raised concerns over holding Kambala during Mysuru Dasara.

He said Dasara is associated with the celebration of Sri Chamundeshwari’s victory over Mahishasura and argued that an event involving buffaloes may not fit naturally within the festival’s traditional identity.

According to the organisers and district administration, however, bringing Kambala to Mysuru is intended to showcase the diverse cultural traditions of Karnataka as part of the Dasara celebrations.

‘Go back Kambala’ protest planned

Opposition to the event is expected to continue, with various organisations led by Parashurame Gowda of Parisarakkaagi Naavu planning a ‘Go Back Kambala’ protest during the proposed trial run.

Environmentalist Ravi Bale said activists had approached several leaders, including the Chief Minister and AICC leaders, seeking reconsideration of the event. He said signatures were being collected from prominent Mysuru residents opposed to holding Kambala during Dasara.

The controversy has also drawn a political response from Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar.

He said he was not opposed to Kambala or to Mysuru hosting the event at another time of the year, but objected to its inclusion during Dasara. He said Kambala was an identity of the coastal region and argued that the government should instead provide greater support and funding for the sport in its traditional region.

Meanwhile, organisers and supporters of the event have maintained that Kambala’s inclusion in Mysuru Dasara would provide an opportunity to showcase one of Karnataka’s distinctive cultural traditions to a wider audience.

The debate is therefore centred on the proposed timing and location of the event, with preparations continuing for the October 18–19 races while opposition groups plan further protests.