Soon after laying the foundation for the proposed ‘Sasya Kashi’ (Abode of Plants) at the inspection bungalow, here, on Friday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah suggested a name for it as ‘Kapila Sasya Kashi’.
Following a request in this regard from Revenue and District in-charge Minister V Srinivas Prasad, Siddaramaiah gave the name of ‘Kapila’ for the 23 acres of land identified for the garden on the Inspection Bungalow premises, abutting the River Kapila.
An ambitious project of Srinivas Prasad, who represents Nanjangud in the Legislative Assembly, the garden is modelled after the botanical garden in Ooty. It is estimated to cost Rs 10 crore, with the Horticulture department tasked with its implementation.
According to the plan, the main attractions include plantation of different species of plants from different countries and herbal plants to enable scientific studies, glass house to provide a platform for cultural programmes and other events, fountain, rock garden, artificial waterfalls and streams, garden sculpture, aqua garden, lilly or fish pond, mini zoo, tree house and food court, a rose farm, amphi theatre, boating and also walkways.
With the town being a religious hotspot, the garden will serve as an added attraction to tourists and also locals, according to Prasad. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dedicated the Dr B R Ambedkar Bhavan built at a cost of Rs 2 crore near the private bus stand.
Along with this, a statue of Ambedkar installed at the circle by the same name near the bhavan, at the cost of Rs 36 lakh, was also unveiled by the chief minister.