'Shortage of engineers delaying Mahamastakabhisheka works'

Slow pace of preparations raising doubts among devotees

With only six months left for the Bahubali Mahamastakabhisheka, which is held once in 12 years, the authorities concerned are yet to begin works at Shravanabelagola town in Hassan district.

The festival will be held from February 7 to 26 in 2018. Preparations for the Mahamastakabhisheka usually begin about one and a half years in advance but this time, no such preparations have started, much to the annoyance of the devotees who raise doubts about completion of works in six months.

Except construction of 400 steps on Vindhyagiri and iron fencing around the hill by the Archaeological Survey of India, development of the satellite town, laying of roads, upgradation of the KSRTC bus stand and other works have not yet started. The devotees feel that things are not moving as expected.

'No political compatibility'

Speaking to DH, Jain mutt seer Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swami was also of the opinion that as Deputy Commissioner V Chaitra was transferred, the works are being delayed. Steps should be taken to complete the works on time, he said.

Devotees hint at political incompatibility delaying works. Moreover, the works are being transferred from the Public Works Department to the Karnataka Road Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL), which is also causing undue delay.

According to MLA H D Revanna, completion of preparations for the Mahamastakabhisheka and development works on time may be difficult as there is a shortage of engineers in KRDCL.

However, District in-charge Minister A Manju’s version is different. He justified the delay by stating that, “It is not possible to award the works to people according to our wish. There is no need to create anxiety over the issue. The preparations are being done after holding discussions with the mutt seer”.

German technology

Mahotsava Special Officer Varaprasad Reddy said that of the Rs 175 crore announced, the government has already released Rs 43.70 crore, which has been shared between the departments.

“The attic near the statue will be constructed using the ‘Ring and Lock’ model, using German technology. The attic work would be completed within a month after the equipment is received. Similarly, 12 satellite towns, cleaning of the pond, construction of toilets would be completed by December. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has convened a meeting in this regard on August 21,” he added.