'Suggikallu Mantapa' turns into a dumpyard

Due to a lack of maintenance, the historic Suggikallu Mantapa has turned into a dumping yard surrounded by weeds and plastic waste.

The grills surrounding Suggikallu Mantapa are used by the residents for tying their cattle. Plastic waste and garbage are dumped into the Suggikallu Mantapa premises.

Dasappa Shetty, a resident said, "In spite of appealing the CMC to maintain Suggikallu Mantapa, no measures have been taken by the authorities. The CMC should strictly enforce a ban on dumping waste in Suggikallu Mantapa premises and it should be cleaned."

"Suggikallu has its own history. In the past, during Deepavali, the deities Adde Meravanige and Uyyale Utsava were organised. Over a period of time, the festivities stopped," said former CMC member C V Jayadev (Jayanna).

"I remember people placing small pots at the top of the mantapa where pigeons were taking shelter. There were instances of pots falling off from the top and squabs getting hurt. Later, instead of pots, bricks were placed on the top of the mantapa to help the pigeons to build nests," he said.

The tying of the cattle to the grills of the mantapa has been causing inconvenience to the movement of vehicles in the area. Further, the historic place has remained neglected due to the apathy of the people, said resident S Krishna.

There is a need to revive the past glory of Suggikallu Mantapa by planting flower-bearing plants in the mantapa premises.

Speaking to DH, a CMC officer said, "Measures will be taken to clear the garbage dumped in Suggikallu Mantapa premises. The CMC will focus on the maintenance of the mantapa."