Several proposals were placed in front of the chief minister Jagadish Shettar during his visit to Kumbh Mela at Tirumakoodalu here on Monday. 

District in-charge minister S A Ramdas requested Shettar to sanction funds for the construction of Yathri Nivas at Tirumakoodalu.

Rejuvenation of Gunja Narasimhaswami and Agasthyeshwara temples, following the popularity of Kumbh Mela are also necessary. Therefore funds should be allotted for the development of the temple by the end of March 30, he sought.

“State government has identified 107 tourist destinations around Mysore for development under the proposed Tourism Authority. Development of Tirumakoodalu as a hub of ‘religious tourism’ will  be taken up under the authority,” he said.

He requested the chief minister to declare Saragur as a taluk.

Shettar declined to sanction anything immediately owing to a possible poll code violation as elections for urban local bodies are being held. But, he said the government would offer full support for the growth of the temple town.

The government has allotted Rs 3 crore for organising the mela, of which Rs 1.5 crore have already been sanctioned.

The chief minister justified funds provided to temples and other institutes. 

“There have been several people who are against the government’s allocation to temples. But, we have also received support from several quarters for our move,”  he said.

Earlier, thousands thronged the venue at the confluence of the rivers to perform the holy dip. Sri Shivaratri Deshikendra Swamiji of Suttur mutt, Sri Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji of Adichunchanagiri mutt and others participated in the religious gathering and led several rituals held as part of the programme.