Manju proposes elephant corridor to check jumbo menace

District-in-charge Minister A Manju held discussions with Union Minister D V Sadananda Gowda on the 'Elephant corridor' project at Delhi recently.

A press release from the minister stated that he apprised the Union minister about the problems faced by farmers in the district due to wild jumbos going on a rampage destroying lives and property. He stated that suitable compensation has been sought for the victims and the construction of an elephant corridor has been proposed to check the menace.

Manju stated that he had also discussed the problems of pepper growers who are facing stiff competition due to import of substandard pepper from Vietnam. The minsiter has assured that it has been decided to pay a support price of Rs 500 per kg for the benefit of growers and an official order would be released soon, the release stated.

Mahamastakabhisheka

The Minister also sought funds for the Bahubali Mahamastakabhisheka at Shravanabelagola explaining that the Centre had not released any funds. The state has released Rs 175 crore funds which is insufficient to meet the expenses. All the roads connecting Shravanabelagola would be developed and Rs 88 crore will be spent for that, he said.

The minister also stated that Deputy Commissioner Rohini Sindhuri has made all arrangements for viewing the Mahamajjana in a convenient way by including specially designed glasses for those visiting the place. The devotees can also view the main events of Mastakabhisheka through their mobile phones, he added.

Minister Sadananda Gowda is said to have promised to discuss the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the authorities concerned to release funds for the festival, the release stated.