A rich folklore tradition, historic temples, free-flowing Cauvery waters, eye-filling greenary of the mountain ranges and gentle, easy-going people seemingly make Chamarajnagar an idyllic district in Karnataka.
But, unfortunately, decades of neglect resulting in backwarness, illiteracy and poverty, have given it the tag of “the most backward border district” of the State.
Malai Mahadeshwara, Biligiri Ranganatha and Himawad Gopalaswamy temples are popular pilgrim centres visited by lakhs of people for almost four centuries. The local Soligas have enriched the culture of the land.
Legendary figures like Manteswamy and Siddappaji heralded social and economic revolution during their time.
But, in the recent past, Chamarajnagar was known more for “Veerappan territory,” and the so-called jinx attached to the office of chief minister. Besides, the D M Nanjundappa Committee on Regional Imbalances laid bare how the district was lagging behind in almost every aspect of the human index.
Despite completing ten years of existence as an independent district, Chamarajnagar still lacks basic amenities including clean water and good roads. The standard of living of the people has not seen any improvement.
Dubious tag
Besides the general apathy, the district has also become a victim of poor planning. The newly built SP's office, the district administration office, the newly constructed district central prison may create an impression that Chamarajnagar is on the highway of development.
On the contrary, Chamarajnagar still enjoys the dubious distinction of being the only district without any underground sewage system. This has created a real sanitation crisis, while shabby roads and pathetic drinking water system make this town non-conducive for human habitation. The government has also failed to tap the immense tourist potential of Chamarajnagar.
Unfortunately, there has not been any concerted effort to attract tourists, even after the elimination of the dreaded forest brigand Veerappan.
If only the governments had initiated measures to improve the facilities in tourist destinations like Bandipur, Biligiriranganabetta, Malai Mahadeshwara Hills, Hogenakal falls, the scenario of the district would have been entirely different.
The district would also benefit immensely if the work on the construction of Mettupalyam railway line is expedited as it will decrease the distance between Karnataka and Kerala.
There is also an urgent need to set up higher education centres, besides strengthening efforts to improve the literacy rate.
'AN INSULT TO THE PEOPLE'
Vatal Nagaraj, Kannada Chaluvali leader and 3-time MLA from Chamarajnagar, regrets that for the past 17 years the chief ministers of the State have shunned the district because of the superstitious belief. “It is an insult to the people, the election process and the Constitution itself,” he fumes.
Pointing out that Chamarajnagar has been a great religious centre attracting lakhs of pilgrims and inhabited by hard working, but poor people, he wants the State government to speed up the development works to bring it on par with the other regions. Nagaraj demands a special package for the district, which should include the Kabini second phase, a medical college, airport and an industrial complex to improve the employment opportunities for the local people.
