Yaathri Nivas, reduced to a shelter for beggars and destitutes

A Yaathri Nivas, constructed by the Tourism department for the benefits of tourists, has turned out to be a haven for anti-social elements. The building was meant to provide accommodation for tourists, who visits Nimishamba temple at Ganjam, in Srirangapatna, Mandya district.

Even though the building was inaugurated by District in-charge Minister Ambarish on November 12, 2014, the works are yet to be completed and are progressing at a slow pace. The building has no water facility and toilets are being misused by anti-social elements for various activities. Owing to the poor condition of the Nivas, it has attracted beggars and destitutes, who have taken shelter in the building.

The building was constructed at a cost of Rs 60 lakh. It consists of two large rooms, a hall, kitchen and bathrooms. Though it was meant to benefit tourist, poor management by officials of the department has rendered the building useless.

Locals complain that tourists, who visit the temple and want to stay overnight, enquire for lodging facilities at the building. However, since the building is not ready for use, the tourists are advised to look for alternative accommodation.

Vasudev, a resident of the village, described the condition of the Nivas as a wasteful expenditure of tax-payers’ money. “The officials acted in haste and got the building inaugurated before all works are complete. Elected representatives too have turned a blind-eye to the issue,” he said.

According to Deputy Director for Tourism Harish, works for supplying power to the building was completed recently. A drain was hindering works for providing water supply. Apart from it, only works related to the bathroom and toilets are pending. “All works will be completed soon. It will be open for public use only after all works are completed,” he added.