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Incomplete works cause hardship to pilgrims visiting Shravanabelagola

Staff Correspondent

Water supply affected; work on roads and drainage incomplete

SHRAVANABELAGOLA: Failure on part of authorities concerned to complete various works taken up in view of the Mahamastakabhisheka is causing inconvenience to pilgrims and tourists visiting this town.

Despite contributions from the State and Union Governments to create basic infrastructure, incomplete works of road, drainage, drinking water and guest houses put the Mahamastakabhisheka Committee (MMC) in an embarrassing position in the last three days.

According to sources in MMC, failure on part of the authorities to supply drinking water lifted from the Hemavathi to Shravanabelagola town, incomplete asphalting of town roads, non-completion of underground drainage have disappointed the local people.

The delay in completion of A, B, C and D guest houses and the much-awaited Interpretation and Tourism Centres, has put tourists to inconvenience.

Work on bridges

The failure on part of Karnataka Road Development Corporation to complete the work on two bridges across Janivara tank has also created problems for pilgrims to reach Shravanabelagola. These two bridges are the main link between Channarayapatna and the pilgrim town.

As the work on them is incomplete, it is difficult to manoeuvre buses on them.

As the Mahamastakabhisheka is commencing early in the morning and concluding only after 4 p.m., people are forced to brave scorching sun. As the plans of State Government and the MMC to operate cable car to Vindyagiri did not materialise, aged persons and those with disabilities were forced to opt for "doli" (crouch) service. According to sources, more than 30 dolis have been used for the purpose.

According to Thammayya, a doli carrier, it is not possible to transport pilgrims up and down continuously, as the steps are steep. "We have urged the math authorities to increase the charges of doli. Though, they have promised to do that, they have not implemented it," he said.

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