Major beautification drive planned in Shravanabelagola

In view of beautifying  Shravanabelagola, where Mahamastakabhisheka for the statue of Gommateshwara will be held in February, the district administration has launched the works to desilt Rachenahalli Lake on the outskirts of the town and develop a park in the lake vicinity.

Mahamastakabhisheka, which is held once in 12 years, is scheduled to be held from February 7 to 26, 2018. Lakhs of devotees from India and beyond will visit the town to witness the annointment of the 57-feet tall statue.

Deputy Commissioner Rohini Sindhuri, on Thursday, launched the desilting works on the lake, which is located near the guest houses, being constructed to accommodate VIPs. As the lake is located at a prime location, it will help the locals as well as the devotees for a morning stroll. Thus, the authorities have planned to convert the area into a pleasant garden.

The DC said, for the celebration of the Mahamastakabhisheka, the authorities have taken up various development activities. The development of the lake will be one of the attractions for the visitors and it is also a boon for the farmers.

The lake is filled with mud, which is very fertile. The farmers have come forward to use it for their fields. We have asked the farmers to be a part of the desilting works. With the development of the lake, a large quantity of water can be stored and the water will be used for the park and other purposes, she said.

The lake is spread over 15 acres of land and Rs 60 lakh has been earmarked to develop the park. The authorities will approach the Tourism department, if additional funds are needed, the DC said.

Mahamastakabhisheka Special Officer B N Varaprasad Reddy, Tahsildar Somashekar, Assistant Executive Engineer H M Jagadish, Assistant Engineer B S Srinivas, and Grama Panchayat President Hema Prabhakar were present.