Ensure a successful Mahamastakabisheka at Dharmasthala: UTK

Belthangady: Complete all development works in time for the fourth Mahamastakabhisheka to be held  at Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala from February 9, directed U T Khader to all concerned officials and added that various government have been tasked to complete the works and it is vital that all concerned rise to the occasion and ensure a successful Mahamastakabjisheka.

Chairing a high-poer review meeting, Mr Khader told the media that complete support will be provided by the government and the district administration for the successful conduction of the once-in-12-years mega event.  Rs 23 crore has been released by the PWD for this purpose and tourism minister Sa Ra Mahesh has agreed to sanction Rs 2 crore for various beautification works at the Kshetra, said Mr Khader.

KSRTC will be operating 50 additional buses from various places to the Kshetra and more will be operated based on demand. Directions have been given to use new buses for this event, said the minister.

The district police have taken steps to maintain law and order and have decided to deploy 300 Home Guards for the purpose. All vantage points will have CCTV cameras to monitor and ensure the safety of the crowd of devotees ranging from 25,000 to 50,000 during the weekdays and going upwards to 1 lakh during the weekends. Smooth transit of VIPs expected to attend the event as per protocol will be ensured by the security apparatus, explained Khader.

To deal with any exigencies motorbike ambulances and Raksha Kavach ‘108’ ambulances, three medical units complete with medicine and other lifesaving equipment will be stationed at the kshetra. Various telecom companies have been directed to augment network capacity to meet the rush of devotees. Boats, tenders and personnel will be deployed at bathing ghats by the fire and emergency services as a safety measure, he informed.

Thanking the state government for its complete support, Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade said, “In present times when there is strife in different parts of the world, the message of Lord Bahubali is all the more relevant.”

The Mahamastakabisheka rituals will be held during the day for 3 days from February 16, he informed.