Forum opposes construction of Cauvery statue at KRS

Talacauvery Moolaswaroopa Rakshana Vedike has opposed the state government’s proposal to construct a statue of ‘Cauvery Mathe’ at Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) in Mandya district.

Speaking to reporters in Madikeri on Friday, Vedike member Uliyada Poovaiah said, “The construction of 125-ft high Cauvery statue at a cost of Rs 1,200 crore, is irrelevant. The idea will hurt the religious sentiments of Kodavas.”

“River Cauvery should get its due prominence in its natural state, rather than in the form of a statue,” he added.

Poovaiah said River Cauvery is worshiped as a Goddess by the people in Kodagu for ages. Locals fear that the importance of Talacauvery in Kodagu will be diluted if the statue is built.

“This may result in a low turnout of tourists to Talacauvery,” he said.

“There is also the probability of the statue causing damage to the dam. Moreover, around 500 acres of land is required for facilitating boat riding, museum and glass tower. Hundreds of farmers will have to be displaced. The government should drop the project,” he said.