Tonga stands fail to keep date with Dasara

Heritage tonga stands planned to be dedicated to the city this Dasara, failed to keep date with the big event, thanks to the authorities who forgot all about it.

Three stands built at an estimated cost of Rs 10 lakh each are located opposite Kukkarahalli Lake, near private bus stand on New Sayyaji Rao road and People’s Park opposite KSRTC sub-urban bus stand on Bangalore-Nilgiri road.

Tongas especially the convertible sarots (horse drawn chariots) were expected to be rolled out from the stands in the dimension of 12 ft x 60 ft, to attract the large number of tourists visiting the city during the Naada Habba. 

An official said that the works were completed, but the stands are yet to be handed over to the Tourism department.

 It was the prerogative of the department to take a call on opening them.

The stands were planned as a part of the heritage project of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM) by the Tourism department. The task was handed over to the city corporation to execute the project. 

Apart from infusing a new lease of life to tongawallahs whose numbers are dwindling with every passing year, it was intended at reviving the heritage part of the city. Sarots were a part of the bigger idea, with eight tongawallahs selected for the benefit (Sarots).

In all, 22 sarots will be distributed, with financial assistance extended by the Vijaya Bank, identified by the city corporation. Each sarot cost between Rs two lakh and Rs 2.5 lakh.  The civic body will bear 50 per cent of the total cost, while the remaining will be advanced as loan by the bank to the beneficiaries.