Shravanabelagola, February 1, 2006: Thanks to the wide publicity given to the Mahamastakabhisheka Mahotsav and the resultant demand for accommodation from various parts of the country and outside, the organizers are negotiating for an additional facility to house around 8,000 visitors in the villages neighboring Shravanabelagola even as the satellite townships being constructed on 227 acres of land at a cost of Rs.10 Crore to accommodate as many as 30,000 pilgrims are at a critical phase. A sum of Rs.35 lakh has been given as compensation to the farmers for use of the land during the celebrations.
According to Suresh Kumar Jain (9880511991), Convener of the Accommodation Committee, the State Government has released a sum of Rs.8.25 crore of he allocated Rs.9.73 crores for the satellite town structures, water supply and electricity. While the structural works are being carried out through the special sub divisions of the national highway, the water supply lines are being drawn by L&T and the power supply by Cescom.
Thyagi Nagar: This township, two kms away from the Vindhyagiri hills on the Bangalore Road houses 348 persons, of which around 200 are Jain monks and the rest their attendants who have arrived from different parts of the country. Thyagi Nagar houses comprises 48 cottages, 24 ‘b’ type cottages with attached bath, each costing Rs.11,400 and as many ‘d’ type cottages without an attached bath each costing Rs. 4,605.
The Nagar houses a flour mill and the facilities here include underground drainage facility, hemavathy water supply, tube well, electricity, kitchen, store, phone and an administrative office with computer facility. The monks sleep on plywood planks without using cushions or mosquito repellents. Attached to Thyagi Nagar is the Panchakalyana mantap, the main pendal were all the major programmes are currently being held. All the streetlights here have generators and free North Indian and South Indian food counters are served to the visitors.
Allopathic medical facility, Ayurvedic hospital, firefighters standing by, food Corporation of India (FCI) sales counters; LPG Gas, both domestic and commercial, each domestic cylinder costing around Rs.360, Rs.40 more than normal to meet transportation costs, free mineral water by Jain Yuva Sankatan and Manava Seva Kendra and a counter selling sarees, dhoti etc used for the dharmic rituals are other features of this Nagar.
Kalasha Nagar: The biggest layout, comprising 3050 cottages is expected to house 15, 000 people during the celebrations. This township three kms from the hills on Bangalore road comprises 600 ‘a’ category cottages that have a verandah, four cots with attached bath and toilet each costing Rs.13, 182, 500 ‘b’ category cottages and 450 ‘c’ category cottages, each costing Rs.8,400, with general toilet and bathroom facility. Apart from the civic amenities, Kalasha nagar has two dining halls and free food service, and will house Kalasha donors and sponsorers. Here all accommodations are fitted with fans, mosquito mesh and windows. Kalasha Nagar will be operational from February 4.
Yatri Nagar: Near the railway station, this nagar is meant for devotees who reach by buses and trains. Yatri Nagar houses 398 cottages, 48 (a), 50 (b), 250 (d) and 40 (e), dormitories each costing Rs. 69,000. The feature here is service of subsided rate of food at Rs.15 per North Indian meal at the one dining hall and breakfast at Rs.2.All cottages are fitted with fans and regular city bus and auto facilities will be provided at this township on Chennarayapatna Road 3.5 kms away from the hillock is expected to house 4000 visitors.
Swayam Sevak Nagar: Housing the 4000 strong volunteers, this township on Melkote road, three kms away from the hills, has 64 dormitories, 30 tents and 34 sheet cottages. Foot, both South Indian and North Indian cuisine are served free for volunteers.
Government Officers Nagar: Meant for housing officers and media persons, this township on Mysore Road three kms away from hills, consists of 271 (a) 80 (b), 60 (c) and 124 (e) type cottages. Currently policemen are housed in this township. – Jain Heritage Centres News Service (JHCNS)