Bandh Effect: Tourists faced problems, auto drivers charge exorbitant money

Tourists visiting Mysuru were completely caught off guard when they saw locked gates at Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Karanji Lake, Chamundi Hills and other places due to the announcement of Bandh call by the BJP following the murder of their party worker Raju.
Unaware of the bandh call, tourists started thronging the above places around 10 am but had to return disappointed to their lodges after hearing the news. As most of these tourists had come with a planned itinerary from far off places they were at a loss not knowing what to do next or how to spend the rest of the day.

Unfazed by the hot sun, the tourists were seen waiting near the entrance of the Zoo even upto 2 pm, hoping that the bandh would be called off anytime.

Nearly 150 tourists who had come from Andhra Pradesh were seen stranded in front of the Zoo as one of them said: “We came around 10 am and are waiting for entry. It will be sad if we return without watching the famed Zoo. But women in our group are scared hearing of violence.'

Another tourist named Sharmeela said: 'We have come from Hassan and had plans to visit Mysore Palace and Zoo. With the sudden bandh call all our plans have changed. Added to this there is no bus services to continue our journey.' The Zoo officials said that the tourists were allowed after 2.30 pm, with quite a good number of people were waiting since morning.
But the tourists visiting Palace were lucky. Officials in the Palace Board said as they had not received any instructions tourists were allowed entry and everything was going on smoothly. While those planning to visit KRS and Chamundi Hills shelved their plans following fear of violence and few because of cancellation of bus services.

Chandresh, an Private Vehicle Driver from Kerala who had parked vehicle in Palace Parking lot said: 'We travelled night and reached Mysuru around 11 am, and came to know about the bandh only after reaching Mysuru. Not to take chance have parked my vehicle here and will leave place after studying the situation.'

Auto drivers charge exorbitant money

The auto drivers in city were found charging exorbitant price, following cancellation of bus service in city. The passengers complained of the autos being asking double rate and left with no other option they are forced to pay.

“Its not fair to overcharge. They speak in a rude voice stating Bandh you want get any bus and demand to pay the asked money. From city Bus stand to my destination near Vivekananda Circle they are asking Rs 350. With bus service hit am in fixed,” said Kiran a native of Hubli.

Exams held peacefully

The Bandh did not affect the ongoing PU exams. Parents were found dropping their wards to the exam center in fear of violence.

DDPU KM Puttu confirmed Express that exams were held peacefully in all the 48 centers. 8,566 students took the exam, while 446 students were absence, among the total 9,112 candidates who had registered.
The papers attended by students on Monday were Geography and Mathematics.

This curve is known as a 'deadly trap' on Mysuru-Bengaluru highway

This curve notoriously known as a 'deadly trap' on Mysuru-Bengaluru highway is located at K Shetthalli village cross. Over the last 40 days more than 13 people have lost their lives on this spot and nearly 25 people have sustained serious injuries along the curve near K Shettihalli, which connects Mysuru Road.

The very mention of this curve creates fear among residents of Mandya. As per the police records, on an average 15 to 20 accidents are being reported from this place every month.

Daily thousands of vehicle commutes on this stretch. The drivers of speeding vehicles lose control when they suddenly apply brakes to avoid colliding with the dividers which are placed at this blind spot near the curve. There are no signboards to caution the unaware drivers like 'Accident Zone Go Slow'.
According to villagers, the accidents started happening only after a road hump in this place was removed and dividers were placed. Since February more than 12 people have lost the lives due to head on collision with the dividers.

Linganayaka, a resident of K Shettihalli said: 'The number of deaths and injured people are increasing. Though we have requested several times to address the issue, cops have turned a blind eye and are not taking appropriate steps to put an end to this.'

'The Police come whenever an accident is reported and then go away. But no action is being taken. Its time the dividers are removed and speed breakers put up as earlier. This apart no steps are being taken to fill the pothole on this stretch, which is also contributing to the accident,' added another villager Thamayya. While, the sources in the Police Department said that the decisions have to be taken by National Highway Authority.

Srirangapatna Circle Inspector MK Deepak acknowledged that there is indeed a sharp curve and speeding vehicles lose control and meet with accident. 'A letter has been written to National Highways Engineer to conduct a spot inspection and take preventive measures to put an end to the accidents. The other alternative is to widen the road to reduce the sharp curvature or put up speed breakers which again has to be decided by National Highway Authorities.'

'Food security would be the biggest challenge in country by 2035'

 
Dr K Narayana Gowda, former Vice Chancellor of University of Agricultural Sciences said that food security will be the biggest challenge in country by 2035, if the farming community is not strengthened.

He was speaking after the inauguration of two-day national seminar on ‘Sustainability in Agriculture: Opportunities, Challenges and Strategies Ahead’.

“Agriculture sector is declining today. The GDP in agriculture is falling down. Many of them living farming and migrating to the urban areas. If the interest of farmers in not protected we will be facing biggest challenged of food security. Its estimated that 150 crores of population has to be fed by 2050. Its possible to feed 175 crores if planned accordingly. There is need to ensure food security for growing population,” he added.

Though the produce has increased five fold in the last seven decades, the condition of farmers is not so good. With decline in profit, and not getting proper value for the produce most of them are leaving farming sector, he regretted.

Further asking farmers to get organised and establish farmers based association, he gave a call to make India stronger country in terms of economically and socially. He asked to adopt integrated farming system and step towards sustainable agricultural growth and obtain profit.

Stating most of the villages in country have turned old age homes and the youngsters are migrating towards urban areas, he said: 'We are forefront in several things compared to other countries and we should make use of wind energy solar energy, water resources, rich soil effectively and try to harness the best. India can become richest country and self sufficient only by by producing sufficient food, as we can save huge amount from importing food.'

He further called upon students to engage in farming activity stating Agriculture stands always competent to IT/BT sectors, and by devoting in agriculture sector one can get good profit.

Speaking on the occasion, Padmabhushan Dr M Mahadevappa gave a call for governments to give importance for farming sector. He asked farmers to adopt latest technologies, adding there is wrong conception among farmers about genetically modified crops.

“China is producing 500 million tonnes of food grains, while India produces 263 millions in the same area of land. We have not even adopted 10 per cent of science and technology,” he said.

He further stressed for the need of Nutrition Food security, integrated farming, Organic farming, value addition for the produce. to bring Agriculture University, Horticulture, and other departments related to farming under one single window system, and to set up cultural agriculture university and special agri zone.

Theme park to educate public about rural development schemes

A Theme Park is coming up in Chamarajanagar to educate general public about rural development schemes and conservation of forests and wildlife. 25 models have been exhibited in a park opposite to Zilla Panchayat Meeting Hall spread across 15 guntas.

These models depict various issues such as attires or traditional dresses worn by villagers, information about MGNREGA, Happy Farmers Family, Gram Sabha meetings, Water Scheme, Gram Panchayat One concept, rural services for the village, mini water scheme, Swatch Bharath Abhiyana, steps taken to make district free of open defecation and the usefulness of owning toilets and information about several other programmes of both State and Central government.

With Chamarajanagar having 52 per cent forest cover, a concept of 'Vana Devathe' (Goddesses of Forest) has been depicted, to spread the message of conserving forests, prevent cutting trees and save wild lives. Artiste Ramesh accompanied with 12 other artistes from Tamil Nadu has created the models. The park will be inaugurated by the end of this month.

 Using some of the models exhibited during Mysuru Dasara, the Chamarajanagar Zilla Panchayat decided to rearrange the models, and came out with a novel Theme Park idea, which is said to be first of its kind in State.

Zilla Panchayat CEO Dr KH Narasimhamurthy says the theme park will be useful to educate people, as well as officials about the various government schemes.

'District Resource Center will be inaugurated soon where SHGs, rural women, beneficiaries of NAREGA and officers will be trained. The theme park helps them to have an overview of the programmes implemented by the government for rural development. By observing the models people will understand better about GP one, Swatch Bharath , conservation of water and other schemes,' he opined.

'Government had spent nearly Rs 13.5 lakhs to erect stalls at Dasara. The models were created using cement cast spending Rs 11 lakh. While the remaining money was spent for creating the theme park. This will be a novel idea for other districts to follow and educate people,' he opines.

Artiste Ramesh says: 'If the officials think of displaying cement models during dasara, in the coming days the models can be reused to display the same in city parks to enhance the beauty of gardens. If made out of fiber or PoP it cant be used for long time.'

Software to ease payments of Advocates Welfare fund

The Karnataka State Bar Council will soon launch a software which would be of great relief for advocates and also to ensure transparency in the administration.

For more than ten years advocates from all across the State were going all the way to Bengaluru every year to pay the amount for welfare fund. With the launch of the new software, the payment process will be made online.

The advocate have to pay the money in the nearby bank, and immediately it will be credit to his/her account. They can also access their account details online. In particular the advocates who were traveling all their way from Gulbarga, Belgaum will heave a sign of relief. Rs 500 is collected as welfare fund from an advocate practicing for 15 years, while Rs 1000 is collected for those above 15 years.

This apart, fresh advocates can file application online for enrollment. After scrutiny they will be given an appointment for oath taking ceremony.

The Karnataka State Bar Council Chairman AR Patil said that the software would be launched by April. With the launch of software the advocates can access to all the administrative details and know the account transactions.

Banks to distribute stamp

Council has taken steps to bring in transparency in Advocate Welfare Stamp. Soon, the stamps will me made available in banks, which is so far sold by State Bar Council through Bar Associations.

Speaking to Express, few advocates said that there was no guarantee of a large sum of money that was collected by sale of stamp was credited to the Welfare Fund, and the decision of the Council will streamline the system.

Advocate Lokesh said: 'As of now there are no accounts maintained of court fee stamps. By purchase of stamps through bank there will be account for every rupee. On an average 2 lakh interlocutory applications are filed in the State every day paying a Stamp duty of Rs 5 and Rs 10 is collected towards Vakalath Stamp.'

Digitalisation

The Council is all set to digitalise the enrollment details of all 90,000 advocates practicing in the State and destroy the documents preserved since 1961.

It helps to keep the record safely and will be easy to retrieve information about the advocates, as the scanned details of the advocates will be saved district wise online.

Bidiruvana a new ray of hope among farmers, tribes, tourists

To mark the birth centenary celebrations of Sri Devaraj Urs, a bamboo grove in his memory named 'Sri D Devaraj Urs Bidiruvana' will be established and developed, spread across 150 acres of forest land, near Nallurupala in HD Hote, which falls under the Sollepura Reserved Forest.

More than 50 varieties of bamboo, some of them classified as extinct, will be collected not only from other States but also from outside the country and will be planted at the Bidiruvana, the place chosen is considered to have ideal climate and soil conditions for the growth of bamboo.

About 20 acres of land will be used for rising bamboo of different species. Popular varieties of grafted species which has been proven to give high yields will be promoted in large. With the help of officials of other government departments, farmers will be promoted to switchover from growing traditional tobacco to Bamboo forestry under community farming, along with integrated approach to forestry.

Old buildings in the area will be renovated and converted into demo centers to conduct training for Medars, a tribe who for centuries have been involved in bamboo works and other bamboo artisans. They will be provided with suitable training to develop skills to enhance their income by selling bamboo.

The project also aims to educate primitive tribals in the region by providing a marketing facility for the sale of medicinal plants, honey and other forest produces and also motivate them to grow other medicinal plants not found in the region. All this initiative is a way to pay tribute to visionary late, D Devaraj Urs.

Under the theme 'Interpretation Park', an an education center similar to Diorona model, orchidarium, establishment of research center on climate change, farm forestry, horticulture cum forestry, wild life research has also been planned.

Deputy Conservator of Forest Balachandra said that 'Biduruvana' which is first of its kind in the state, will be developed on the lines of Bamboo Museum in Thrissur, Kerala. 'Very soon bamboo saplings will be planted under Tree Park Scheme. Along with 150 acres of Bidiruvana, the overall development of Kalahalla Village will be taken up, and the village will soon become model for other states,' he added.

Nagarahole Chief Conservator of Forest said that though there are more than 150 varieties of bamboo at least 50 selected varieties can be grown in the Bidiruvana. This will immensely benefit both the bamboo researcher and students of botany.

Major tourist attraction

The place will be developed as one of the major tourist spot.

With Gurupura Tibetan Camp being located closer to the place, and government plans to develop the Kalahalla Village which connects the Virajpet-Madikeri Road expecting more tourists to visit in the coming days.

Visitors will be informed about importance of forest environment, change in environment. They will be give information about the other forests and tourists places. People can relax, have a good time and will definetly become a must place visit in days to come, say forest officials. The tribes, farmers will be provided a platform to sell and market their produce.

Land row: This 150 acres of land was given on lease for central tobacco institute for the purpose of tobacco research. The land is not being used from last six years. A final showcase notice has been sent to the Institute to return the land, and the forest department to get the land by April. Soon, they get land the Biduruvana works will commense.

Highlights

* Bidiruvana to become one of the major tourist attraction.

* More than 50 rare species of bamboo will be raised

* Bidiruvana will encourage farmers to give up tobacco cultivation

* To motivate farmers about Agriculture Forest and provide skill development training to enhance their income. 

Celebrations has gripped in this Village after six decades

It is after a long gap of six decades, the villagers of Haradanahalli in Chamarajanagar are in jubilant mode, as they are celebrating Car festival of Lord Divya Lingeshwaraswamy.

The temple built by Cholas is a historical temple in the region. With damage caused to chariot in 1955, and with lack of funds to repair it, the car festival has not held all these years.

When the efforts of villagers seeking funds from government for construction of Chariot turned futile, they decided to raise funds on their own. They set up Kamakamakshamma and Divya Lingeshwaraswamy Chariot Construction Committee and raised fund of Rs 30 lakh in the last four years.

The devotees from Tamil Nadu have also generously contributed for the construction of the Chariot. Now, the villagers dream has come to reality with the Chariot construction has completed and the car festival to be held on March 29. The 35 feet chariot has been built by Achar Mudduveerachar a native of Yelandur Taluk.

Villager Sundramma says: 'Festival atmosphere has gripped in the village. There will be a week long celebrations starting from March 26 to April 1, while the car festival will be held on March 29. Am living in this village from last five decades, and had only heard about the festival, and am happy this year we are celebrating.'

'Yeddyurru Siddalingaswamy has born in this Village. This is a historical temple in the region. With the chariot works are finished, there is a sense of satisfaction among us and our long wait has come to end. Meantime, we feel sad our pleas were not heard by the government,' adds Thayavva.

Committee President Shivaram said: 'There is no words to express our happiness. Women folk are engaged in declaring houses,and are planning to place big rangolis and prepare special dishes. Its sad that Mizrai Department did not took any initiative to repair the chariot even we requested repeatedly.'

Village head Mallikarjunaswamy expressing happiness said: “When I was five year old had witnessed the festival. Am eagerly waiting to witness the car festival nearly after 60 years. Even my grand children are eagerly waiting to celebrate this historical car festival.”

Fire detectors to be installed at century-old KR Hospital

After the recent fire incident reported in Gulbarga, several safety measures have been chalked out at the city's century-old Krishna Rajendra Hospital (KR Hospital) and Cheluvamba Hospitals, attached to the Mysore Medical College.

Both hospitals have undertaken a review of the existing fire prevention measures. A proposal to install fire detector in the premises has been sent to the Fire Department, and firefighters personal have approached to visit the hospital and inform about the fire safety measures to be adopted.

KR Hospital Superintendent Dr Chandrashekhar said that in a couple of days talks will be held with District Fire Officer and fire detectors will be installed in the hospital.

'The Jayadeva Hospital being a five storeyed building needs to be provided with all safety measures including emergency fire exit. This apart, all other safety measures have been chalked out. New electrical grounding has been done recently, automatic shutdown of medical instruments in case of fire breakout along with auto-trip for leakage of current have been provided.'

'By installing the detectors, the device senses smoke anywhere in the building, and it will instantly spray the water to douse the fire. Such points will be provided in all rooms of the building and water is supplied through a huge overhead storage tank,' he added.

This apart, a decision has been taken to provide separate fire extinguishers in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Sick New Born Care Unit (SNCU) and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Cheluvamba Hospital. As of now there is only one fire extinguishers at the Cheluvamba Hospitals building.

Staff will be trained on how to use fire extingusihers, and other suggestions given by fire personnel will be adopted in the hospital. 

Speaking to Express, Cheluvamba Hospital Dr Radha Mani said that as there is huge open yard inside the Cheluvamba hospital, its an added advantage to the hospital.

'Electrical works are being inspected inside the building to replace old wires with new one. The works are almost under completion. We have three persons from electric maintenance department who work round the clock to ensure safety of the hospital. In case of power cut we have stabluisers, UPS and generators to run air conditioner at NICU, PICU, SNCU units,' she added.

The PKTB Sanatorium Superintendent Dr Veerupaksha said that we don't have any close doors in the hospital, and so far we had not adopted any fire safety measures. Anyways after the incident, we have decided to place couple of fire extinguisher in the building at two to three points.

Innovative: Bamboo technology anganwadi centers in deep forest

Environment and Child Friendly Anganwadi Centers are being setup inside the forest at Periyapatna and HD Kote. They are constructed by adopting green building concept using locally available materials such as mud and bamboo. These Anganwadi centers are being constructed exclusively for primitive tribal children who are living deep inside the forest.

While it is prohibited to construct concrete structures inside forest areas, in order to help tribal children the district administration has come out with this novel initiative. Another speciality of the buildings is, the tribals are roped in to construct the bamboo building, as they to have skills in constructing bamboo houses.

The Anganwadi center is well organised comprising of all basic amenities like a kitchen room, dining hall, rain water harvesting, smokeless chulla, amphitheater, toilet, play area, class room with all essential furniture. This helps to teach children about the importance of adopting green initiatives, conservation of rain water and sanitation. The initiative is said to be first of its kind in the country and to become a role model for other States.

As many as 11 Anganwadi centers will be constructed in both the taluks, each unit costing Rs 8.26 lakh. Out of three units, two units in Periyapatna have been constructed covering 800 square feet place at Halakere Hadi and Malagankere Hadi, which will be inaugurated next week. The other unit would come up at Varthi (Kogilawadi) will be commenced soon.

While the works of proposed eight anganwadi centers in HD Kote taluk at

Balle Hadi (two units), Manimole Hadi, Anne Mala, Maladahadi, Thimmana Hosahalli Hadi, Golour Hadi, Bhavali Hadi will start from April. All the projects are slated to complete in another four months.

Deputy Commissioner C Shikha said that since forest department has banned construction of concrete structures inside forest areas the children were not getting proper anganwadi facilities. The new model is an initiative to benefit Anganwadi children.

Nirmithi Kendra Director Manjunath said that in a bid to provide basic education and to make children have access to nutrition the Anganwadi centers are being constructed inside the forest, which is the first of its kind in the country. It takes around 30-40 days to complete the works of each center which will be built in an area of 800 sq feet. Technical assistance is being given by NIE CRIST.

Integrated Tribal Development Programme Project Co-ordinator Dr CR Bharathi said the durability of the centers will be more than 10 years, and on an average of 15 to 20 children will come under each center. In all, the new initiative will benefit immensely to attract tribal children towards Anganwadi centers.

Festival of harvest bring cheers on farmers face

Festival of harvesting Makara Sankranthi has brought cheers on farmers face with prices of sugarcane and banana has gone up.

Banana growers who had destroyed their standing crop and were worried over the steep fall in its price were found selling the Yelakki banana for Rs 30 to Rs 60, depending on the size. Just a month ago, the banana price had crash to Rs 5 kg, and a week ago it was around Rs 15 to Rs 20.

Farmer Channappa from Nanjangud says: 'We had no business from last two month. The festival has brought smile back on our face. Am selling the fruits for Rs 40, which was sold for Rs 15 two days ago. With fall in price we were worried lot.'

Sugarcane Grower Thamaiah from Srirangapatna, who is selling Black Cane fully matured for Rs 50-60 and has earned nearly Rs 5,000 since noon said: 'Atleast in the name of festival we are able to see some money. With fall in price of sugarcane even today farmers are committing suicide and government has turned blind eye.'

Festival rush at market, Rly Station, bus stand

As the festival has fallen in weekend most of them are heading towards Mysuru, while some are leaving city to reach their natives, to celebrate the festival with family and friends.

On Wednesday, a good number of passengers were seen waiting for the buses in city bus stand to reach their destinations. KSRTC (Urban) officer Maqsood Ahmed said that in peak time there will be rush, whereas they will manage with the existing bus services.

KSRTC Rural staff say that the passengers heading from Bengaluru to Mysuru has increased and special buses have been introduced to avoid the rush.

Auto driver Tiranth said: 'Usually there will be good demand for autos during festival season. There is increase in passengers coming to Mysuru and we have already done several trips from City Railway Station, Suburban Bus Stand to various localities. This apart, most of the housewife after shopping opt for autos, than buses and this will benefit us to higher extent.'

Even huge rush was witnessed in market as people throng to purchase essential items to celebrate Makara Sankranti. Sugarcane, sugar candy, mixture of yellu-bella, raw ground nuts, hyacinth beans, flowers were sold like hot cake.

Worshiping cows, bonfire, preparing pongals, offering puja on harvesting, distribution of mixture of yellu-bella are tradition followed on the day. Housewife Shaila says: The festival time will be get together for the family members to share the joy. A mixture of sesame seeds, jaggery, groundnuts, dry coconut will be distributed.

'On the day of Makara Sankrathi (Uttarayana) the sun starts moving and the day is very auspicious according to the Hindu Calendar. Cattles will be decorated beautifully and will be made to run on bonfire,' says Sommaiah, senior citizen.

Price Tag

Black matured sugarcane stalks – Rs 50-60

Ordinary sugarcane stalks – Rs 20-40

Mixture of yellu-bella – Rs 80-100

Yelaki Banana - Rs 30 to Rs 60

Sugar candy (designs) – Rs 120

Square candy – Rs 100

Sevathi flower – Rs 50-60

Kakada flower – Rs 20-30 

Helmet sales sees increase with drive to begin on February 1

With the verdict of the Supreme Court making it mandatory for pillion riders to wear helmets, sale of helmets in the city has shot up, especially half covered helmets are in much demand amongst women compared to men.

A large number of women in city were found seeking shops selling helmets, even mobbing the roadside vendors to purchase helmet for themselves as children. Helmets of different colours and size, some with floral designs on them, others with stripes and designs of toys were sold in good number. The toys designs are in particular sold for children. Helmets moderately priced around Rs 150 to Rs 250 were picked up easily.

The street vendors who were seen siting idle most of the times all these days by selling hardly 3 to 5 helmets per day, are now found busy. There is also increase in number of sellers in main thoroughfares of the city, including NR Mohalla, Opposite to Crawford Hall, Kuvempu Double Road, Ooty Road, Taluk Office, Ramuswamy Circle, RTO, Bogadi, JP Nagar, Vidyaranyapuram, Udayagiri and several other places.

The sellers and dealers said that the sell has increased drastically with city's Traffic Police have announced that they start imposing fines beginning February 1, for pillion riders who violate rules. The branded and good quality ones were sold from Rs 400 to Rs 1000.

Majority of helmets to Mysore are supplied from factories situated in Belgaum and Bengaluru, while some come from Delhi. Even China made helmets are also being sold. Most of the helmet shops are located in city at Chamaraja Double Road and Sawdey Road.

Nemichand who sells helmet near Sub-Urban Bus Stand says: 'Earlier I could sell only 3 to 5 helmets per day. Whereas, now an average of 25-40 helmets are being sold every day.

'I sell most of the helmets to villagers who come to pick up near bus stand. I approach them and informing that its mandatory for pillion riders to wear helmet, and convince them to purchase the helmet near me. With this the sale has increased from last couple of days, and am having good business,' thus he revealed his business trick.

Another seller Rekhi who sells helmet on Ooty Road says: 'The business is catching up for the past two days. Most of the two wheelers pass over Mysore-Nanjangud Road, will have pillion riders, and its helping to have good business. Out of fear some voluntarily come and purchase helmets. Am also, planning to deploy another person in Vegetable Market near exhibition to sell helmet for farmers, who come to city daily to sell greens, vegetables.'

Another Dealer Sunil added that he has seen a hike of 12 to 15 per cent for the past one week in his business. College student Gowri says: 'I usually go out with my friends and the accompany in my vehicle. With helmet being mandatory, am purchasing a helmet which can be accommodated in my vehicle trunk.'

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Sufficient stock

Retail Dealers say there is huge demand from wholesalers for helmets and the same things continue, they might face shortage in stock.

According to Helmet dealer Rajesh they are investing more this month, as the sales are catching up. He added, as of now the stock is sufficient, whereas with increase in demand they might face shortage in the coming days. Anyways, several sellers had already kept sufficient stocks in godowns anticipating the demand for helmets as the deadline approached.

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We are less fortunate

With laying of concrete roads works going on Chamaraja Double Road, the helmet sellers in the stretch are cursing the officials.

Around ten helmet dealers who have set up shops in the busy junction were found cursing the officials for delay in completion of the ongoing work of concreting the road, which has severely affected their business since Dasara.

'We have seen steep decline in sale of helmets and are facing severe problems with incomplete road works. This was time we would have made a roaring business, and it seems we are less fortunate,' Abdhulla of helmet shop. 'In usual days itself we used to sell good number of helmets, and with mandate of rule we would have sold more helmets, regretted another sellers.

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Citizens disagree the decision

Most of the citizens disagreeing the decision of making them to forcible to wear the helmets said: 'Though we don't wish to wear helmets, out of fear of being penalised and facing legal action we are purchasing helmets. There is no need of introducing helmet for city like Mysuru. There is need of good commutable roads, than wearing helmet.'

While, some young girls said that wearing helmet will lead to hairfall, and it will be difficult to manage hair designs. Beauty Parlour Sumana said: 'With change in life, food habit hair fall cases has increased, and added to it wearing helmet will also contribute. Though regular hair massage hair fall can be prevented.

While, cops say that people should make sure they purchase helmets certified by ISI and should understand the purpose of making the helmet rule mandatory considering their safety.

JC Wadiyar to stand tall at Hardinge Circle before Yaduveer's royal wedding

The works on sculpting the statue of late Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar of erstwhile Mysuru Dynasty and proposed to be installed at Hardinge Circle in city is nearing completion.

The works have been put on fast track as it has been planned to unveil it in April before the wedding bell rings at the palace of Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar in the month of May. Instructions have also been given to complete the dome work by next month, where the statue of King, sculpted in white marble will be placed, said sources.

The statue was chiseled and brought to life by the noted sculptor, Arun Yogiraj who hails from a family of sculptors residing in Mysore for the past five generations. The statue was carved out of a monolithic white marble that was imported from Austria by a merchant in Jaipur, from where it was shipped to Mysore.

The statue of last ruler of Mysuru Royal Family when completed stands 10 feet tall, is 6 feet wide and stretches 4.5 feet, while the pedestal on which it is placed measures 5 feet in height and 4 feet in breadth. Arun, grand son of Palace Sculpture B Basavanna, accompanied by 9 other sculptors, has took five months to complete the statue, by working daily for more than 14 hours.

“Before we begin sculpting, we do a detailed study of the anatomical and muscle structure of the person to be carved. Only after making notes right from shoes to the Mysore Peta, the ruler wore, we started the sculpting work. The earlier statutes of Chamaraja Wadiyar and Krishnaraja Wadiyar has been sculpted by artistes from London and Mumbai respectively, using Karora Marble of Italy. This is the first time Mysuru artistes has got the opportunity to sculpt a member of the Royal family, and am happy I got the opportunity,” he adds.

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Arun, am MBA graduate !

Like others he had dreamed of being well educated and joining an MNC company. His wish was fulfilled, but his destination was something else. Arun, an MBA graduate, after completion of education, joined an MNC company. But, he gave up his lucrative job to continue the tradition of stone carving.

One fine day, he realised he had to dedicate himself to sculpting and took it as a full profession from 2008. He has hired good number of people and has handful of orders.

Arun who was assisting his father in sculpting work from the tender age, says: “I have good number of orders and am earning more than, what I would have been if gone for a salaried job. Through dedication, determination we can excel. I was very passionate towards filed and mastered the sculpting techniques,” he adds.

'One of the best moment in life is meeting Kofi Annan, former United Nations Secretary-General during his visit to Infosys. He lauded my decision for continue the carrier in sculpture. The government should take initiatives to introduce a course in Temple Architecture and give practical training for students. The stone carving is entirely different and challenging compared to clay, wood carving,' adds Arun, an fith generation sculpture.

He sculptures God and Godess idol, portrait statues, large sculpture works. He gets orders from Netherland, USA, Australia, Srilanka, UG, Germna and several parts of the country. Accompanied with his father Yogiraj Shilpi, he is running Kasyap Shilpa Kalanikethana a school of sculpture and providing training for interested youngsters.

He is conducting classes for students of Shilpa Kala Academy and works as an consultant on concept of Sill Tourism for an Astralia based company. Arun has won several awards including Shilpa Kasturba Award, South Zone Young Talent Award and much more. Arun, an national-level volleyball players has represented Karnataka twice.

Stone Facts 

The stones mostly used for creating idols is Krishna Sheele, which is available in this geographical area of HD Kote. The stone 

is resistant to Acid-fire-water-rust and all kinds of -weather and can withstand temperature upto 1200 degree. 

While, the black granite is found in Chamarajanagar and Doddabalapura stone (worlds hardest stone) used for sculpting huge idols.  

eom/mys/rathna 

State's sculptors get a raw deal in temple renovation works

Karnataka is dependent on the sculptors of Tamil Nadu to carry out the renovation of old temples managed by Muzrai and Archeology department. This is not because there is dearth of skilled sculptors in the state but due to a condition that the tenderer should have undergone a course in temple architecture.

Despite there being many skilled sculptors in State, they are not able to get the opportunity to work, because of this norm. Though the temple architecture course has been started by a Sampradayika Shilpa Gurukulagala Kendra, three years ago, it takes atleast of 8-10 years, for the passed out candidates to take part in tender process, as seniority and experience counts.

The sculptors from Tamil Nadu bid the majority of the tender. With lack of knowledge of estimation, assessment, our sculptors wont get opportunity to take part in the tender process. Its estimated an approximate of more than Rs 150 crores tenders is being grabbed by them every year.

Though the neighbouring state sculptors bag the tenders, they depend on local sculptors for the works. They only do the sketch and make estimate. A family of 30-40 sculptors, native of Tamil Nadu, who have migrated to Bengaluru do most of the temple works in State, say sources in the Muzrai and Archeology department. They also added, the temple assessment, estimation is not easy, and thus the knowledge persons will be asked to participate in tender process.

Sculptor Arun Yogiraj said that 90 per cent of the temple repair works, planning for new construction of temple, heritage conservation of works are being taken up by sculptors from Tamil Nadu. This trend should change, as there are several skilled labours in State. He says the condition that they should have done a course in temple architecture should go.

“Its high time government should address the woes of sculptors. Compare to sculptors in State, they are not good in stone carvings, and hire the local sculptors for work. New decisions of government will help the local artisans to become economically stronger and get recognition world wide,” he adds.

Former Shilpakala Academy Chairman Dr G Jnanananda said that our sculptors lack knowledge in analysis and estimation, whereas by undergoing four years course they can enhance the knowledge. 'A new

revolution should come and our sculptors should also give tough competition for sculptors of other state and match them in quality, and giving finishing,' he adds.

Karnataka Shilpa Kala Academy Chairman Mahadevappa Shambulingappa

Shilpi said that there are very good sculptures in State, and have to be provided with skill development course. 'I hold meeting with Kannada and Culture Minister Umashree and chalkout programmes for the enhancement of skills,' he added.

There are nearly 1200 sculptures in State. Those who are skilled in cement and stone carving are preferred mainly for temple architect designs, he adds.

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Sampradayika Shilpa Gurukulagala Kendra, affiliated to Bangalore University and approved by Government of Karnataka is the only institution in state imparting the Temple Architect Course. 33 students are undergoing course.

Sources said that there is plans to cut down grants for the Kendra, and the institution may stop enrollment for the course from next year. The sculptors say there is need to create awareness among artisans about the courses conducted, and government should take measures to ensure that the course is not discontinued.

Primitive tribes fetch sufficient money by spice 'Marathi Mogggu'

 Flowering season brings smile on face of primitive farmers who are depend of forest for livelihood. During the months between February and May, the local tribals collect and sale Kapok Buda known popularly as, 'Marathi Moggu', a common spice added in the preparation of Garam Masala.

The tribes soon after the sun rise rush towards the forest to collect the flowers, from the tree species Bombax Ceiba which blossoms during this season, and separate species (Marathi Moggu) from the flower.

Several hundreds of Bombax Ceiba Tree (locally called as Boorugada Mara) can be found in the range of Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary (BRT) and Nagarhole Range. Tribals belonging to the Soliga community residing in all the five ranges of BRT are permitted to collect this forest produce. Women and children also join hands with men to collect flowers.

While in Nagarhole Range, tribals residing their such as, Jeenukuruba, Kaduduruba, Yarava communities are forbidden to collect flowers as it is a reserved forest area. They collect only those which grow on the periphery of the forest or along the road side.

An approximate each tribal family collects about half kg to 1 kg of Moggu every day during the season. By selling them in open market they fetch sufficient money to meet their expenses for few months. This apart, they collect Cinnamon leaf which is found in some areas.

Rangegowda, a Soliga residing at Boodipadaga, a colony housing 60 soliga families said: “During summer we neither get Amla or honey as both are of poor quality. We collect honey only between April to June as this being the flowering season, bees collect nectar resulting in collection of good quality honey. We collect Amla (Kadu Nellikayi) between November-January. Thus throughout the year we make some steady source of income.”

Another Soliga tribal Veeregowda said: 'We earn better by selling Marathi Moggu. If I sell four kilos I will get more than 1000 Rupees and enough to manage for few months.'

Dr C Madegowda, who has done a research on Soliga community and is also rendering service as Programme Associate, ATREE, BR Hills said that on an average each family collects 2 to 5 kgs of Marathi Moggu which will be sold for Rs 300 to Rs 350 per kg in the market.

Research guide Jadeswamy said: 'Its a good season for tribals to earn some money. The tree also has some medicinal values as observed by the bees and other birds which suck the sap of the tree to rejuvenate themselves.'

'Ban smoking in hospital premises'

Though there is a ban on smoking in public places, it is not being enforced strictly. Specially smoking inside hospitals premises has become cause of concern. If one visits the premises of KR Hospital, can see butts of cigarettes and beddis strewn around in the hospital garden and backyard.

Hundreds of patients from all walks of life visit KR Hospital daily, and quite a large number of men can be seen hanging around smoking in hospital premises. This will lead to ill-health affect on pregnant women, senior citizens and also children who visit hospital.

Unmindful of health hazards and the nuisance they are causing inconvenience to others. Specially, pregnant women undergoing treatment at Cheluvamba Hospital and children at Child Hospital are more vulnerable.

Speaking to Express, most of the patients complained about the smell of rolls of tobacco and smoke wafting into the wards from outside, expressing their helplessness. They said: Staff should take appropriate measures to ban smoking in hospital premises and adequate measures should be taken to educate visitors, especially villagers who come to see their dear and near ones in the hospital.

A senior Citizen named Vanajamma says: “Steps should be taken to educate villagers about ill effects of smoking. Warning boards should be put-up cautioning people not to smoke inside the hospital premises. Penalties should be imposed on the spot against the violators. This will discourage others who intend to smoke. Police department officials and health officers should take measures to educate the smokers and completely ban smoking in hospital premises.”

Zammena Banu resident of Haleem Nagar said: “It has become common smoking in the hospital premises. But, with concern over health aspects, the officials should strictly ban smoking inside the hospital premises.”

A visitor to hospital Renuka said: “With most of them addicted to smoking, they can't control the habit. Its difficult to be long time without smoking. Thus, designated smoking area should be provided. Have also seen some staff smoking hiding backside of the hospital,” said Renuka,

Dean and Director of Cheluvamba Hospital, Dr Krishhna Murthy who admitted smoking is at higher extent in hospital premises, expressed helpless, stating its hard to tell people. Police Commissioner MA Saleem said he will look into the issue.