Mahamastakabhisheka works progressing at a brisk pace

With lakhs of devotees expected to be part of the Bahubali Mahamastakabhisheka at Shravanabelagola, the district administration and the festival committee are leaving no stone unturned to make it a success.

The Mahamastakabhisheka is being celebrated from February 7 to 26.

The works, including construction of 12 temporary satellite towns for those attending the Mahamajjana of Gommateshwara, are being completed at a brisk pace.

Out of 12 satellite towns, works on five of them, named Tyagi Nagar, Panchakalyana Nagar, Kalasanagar, Swayam Sevak Nagar, and Police Nagar have been completed and the others will be finished by next week. Around, 1,300 labourers from North India have been working day and night to meet the deadline. The labourers are paid a salary of Rs 8,100 per month.

The Karnataka Road Development Corporation has taken up the construction of satellite town works at a cost of Rs 75 crore, which can house 26,000 people.

According to sources, 494.19 acres of land has been temporarily acquired around Shravanabelagola hill for the construction of the satellite towns, for parking facilities and other purpose. The farmers have been given a compensation of Rs 36,000 per acre.

Accommodation

The Jain Mutt has requested the district administration to provide accommodation facilities for 19,500 people, including freedom fighters and tourists, from across the country in the satellite towns. Besides, accommodation should be provided to 9,000 police personnel, government officials, dignitaries, volunteers, and media persons from India and foreign countries in the satellite towns.

Already Jain munis, acharyas, matajis and others have camped in the town and they have been accommodated in Tyagi Nagar. Sheds with toilet facility have been constructed to accommodate Brahmacharinis. Around 2,000 people, including 500 Jain munis, their disciples and volunteers would be accommodated here.

Facilities

Each Nagar will have separate dining area, information kiosk, health centre, police outpost, fire and emergency services. Roads measuring 80 ft wide are being laid so that the vehicles can move about in case of emergency.

Speaking to DH, Mahamastakabhisheka Special Officer B N Varaprasad Reddy said, the construction of 12 satellite towns will be completed in a week. It will be complete with cots, beds, bathrooms, drinking water and other facilities.

Yatri Nagar is being constructed near the railway station for the benefit of devotees. However, the accommodation charges are being worked out, he said.

There are also plans to decorate the satellite towns with fountains and ornamental plants. Special lighting arrangements that resemble 'Akashbutti' are being made. Artistes will be consulted and their ideas will be sought for decorating the circles, he said.