Halebeedu Jain basadi cries for attention

Problems for the Jain basadi at Bastihalli near here seems never to end. Neglect by the government and its officials, lack of basic amenities for tourists and publicity, etc.

The basadis of Vijayi Parshwanath, Shanthinatha and Adinatha Thirthankaras are located in the same complex, which includes a kalyani and a 18 feet tall Manasthabha. Despite the Archeological Survey of India releasing lakhs of rupees for the restoration works, there has been no progress for many years.

There are no boards on the roads to guide tourists. No proper publicity is given in the media about the significance of the basadis.

Those who wish to visit the place should stop their vehicles whenever they see a passerby and seek directions. Most the times tourists are misguided. Once tourists reach the basadis, there is a long list of ‘no’s — no water, no toilets, no cleanliness, no parking space, no proper information, etc.

During harvest season, it is extremely difficult to drive as the farmers in the surrounding villages dry their crops on the roads. Despite availability of adequate funds for conservation and development of the monuments, no works have been taken up except on the kalyani. However, the works are sub-standard and the water is polluted.

The post of conservation assistant for Hassan is lying vacant for over a decade and the officer at Srirangapatna was given additional charge. Now a officer has been posted. But, he is not aware of the developments at the basadi so far and local people have been demanding for a CBI probe into the misuse of funds till date before taking up new works.

The structure of the basadis are getting weaker with every passing day, so it calls for immediate attention, say residents of the village.