Avani annual fair has been unfair to cattle, traders

There is neither shelter nor water at the annual event in Avani

Poor infrastructure plagues the famous annual cattle fair held at Avani in Mulbagal taluk.

The fair is held by the Taluk administration, on the sidelines of the Brahmarathotsava of Ramalingeshwara. Thousands of cattle from nearby villages, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are brought to the fair. The turnover is estimated to cross about Rs one crore.

However, hundreds of farmers and their cattle are compelled to camp under the scorching sun during the fair. While a few erect a temporary plastic shed or a shelter of coconut fr  onds, majority of cattle merchants do not have that luxury. They spend their stay at the fair on the open ground, under the blazing sun.

The condition is to pathetic that even water is not available both for the men and their animals. While water and butter milk were distributed to devotees during the car festival on Tuesday, farmers were seen frantically looking for water. Two tanks constructed at the venue were dry.

The fair is usually held for ten days. But due to lack of facilities the farmers have decided to go back in five days.

Two water tanks were constructed by the organisers. But both the tanks are empty as water has not been supplied. The farmers have to fetch water from a pond, which is a bit far from the fair site.

“The administration too should to its bit to ensure the continuation of the traditional event, said Dr G Shivappa, a lecturer and a resident of
Mulbagal.