Shravanabelagola (Hassan District, Karnataka), August 16, 2017: Even as people’s representatives are alleging that preparations for Mahamastakabhisheka, scheduled for February 2018, are progressing on a slow pace, the district administration has maintained that the works will be completed within the stipulated time.

During a recent visit to Hassan, former Prime Minister and Hassan Lok Sabha member H.D. Deve Gowda had criticised the State government for not beginning scaffolding work. He also said he would write to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to speed up works.

Reacting to these remarks, A. Manju, Minister in charge of Hassan district, on Tuesday told presspersons: “All works will be completed by December this year. We are using German technology for scaffolding, which requires less time compared to traditional methods.” He held a meeting to review work progress in Shravanabelagola on Wednesday.

The scaffolding, necessary for anointing the statue, will come up behind the Gomateshwara statue. “The German ring-lock technology demands only two months for the work after the material is lifted to the hilltop,” said Rohini Sindhuri, Deputy Commissioner. The scaffolding costs ₹12 crore.

Other major works include setting up of temporary townships to provide shelter for visitors during the event, which is held once in 12 years. The government has allocated ₹75 crore for the temporary township to accommodate over 30,000 people. “Technicalities of the township are being finalised. It will be completed as per schedule,” a senior officer told The Hindu.

The Horticulture Department is a Japanese Garden at a cost of ₹50 lakh. Similarly, a floral replica of Savira Kambada Basadi located at Moodbidri in Dakshina Kannada has been planned. The Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Board has taken up work to upgrade water supply facility at ₹15 crore. The work is expected to begin by August-end. Rejuvenation of the pond located at the heart of Shravanabelagola has started, an official said. – News Courtesy: The Hindu