The inauguration of the Dasara exhibition turned into a damp squib as large and medium scale industries minister Murugesh Nirani failed to participate in the inauguration programme.

Also, with majority of the shops yet to open shutters, the exhibition grounds wore a deserted look.

However, Karnataka Exhibition Authority (KEA) chairman B P Manjunath exuded confidence that stalls would be completed within a few days. Speaking at the inauguration, he said 124 stalls for commercial establishments have been set-up.

Out of the 44 stalls for government departments, 31 have been taken up. An additional 22 stalls are being set-up at the exhibition grounds, he added.

He said the global tender had fetched Rs 2.82 crore this year as against Rs 1.44 crore during the previous year.

Manjunath said that the emphasis would be on cleanliness during the ensuing season. He said KEA had made arrangements to provide drinking water and also platform to conduct cultural programmes.

30,000 visitors each day

Operating on a ‘no profit no loss’ basis, he said KEA expects 30,000 to 40,000 visitors each day during the exhibition. He said the previous year witnessed more than nine lakh people visiting the Dasara exhibition.

The exhibition would be open for 87 days.

He said that even though amusement providers had initially planned to stay away from Dasara this year, they had arrived and set-up various games at the exhibition grounds.

Tickets at Rs 15

While the tickets are priced at Rs 15, Manjunath said important aspects such as safety and traffic management have been considered.

He said plans are being made to recreate similar exhibitions in at least four cities across the State.