Mysuru: With the Dasara festivities beginning on Oct. 11, the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has taken up 17 civic works across the city, with MCC Commissioner M.K. Savitha directing officials to complete them by Sept. 30.

The works focus on road safety, repairs to damaged roads and footpaths, drainage maintenance and beautification of key areas.

Dasara preparations in Mysuru have often been marked by hurried repairs, with potholes and damaged footpaths receiving quick fixes, particularly in the Central Business District. This has also led to criticism that civic development in the city gains momentum only during the Dasara season.

This year too, priority has been given to key areas, including the Raja Marga, the Open Air Theatre, the venue for Yuva Sambhrama and the main Jumboo Savari route.

Road works include filling potholes and repairing damaged stretches, with patchwork being taken up at Harding Circle. Loose paving slabs and damaged interlock pavements are also being levelled and repaired.

Footpath facelift

Footpaths along Sayyaji Rao Road, Ashoka Road, Irwin Road and Dhanvantri Road are being attended to. Broken tiles on footpaths, pavements and walkways around the Palace will be replaced. Dysfunctional streetlights will be repaired, while damaged balustrades will be repaired or replaced.

Kerb stones at K.R. Circle and along the Raja Marga will also be repainted. Drainage blockages will be cleared, while road dividers, kerbs and medians will be repainted. Zebra crossings and speed humps on major roads will also be painted as part of road-safety measures.

As part of the beautification drive, electric poles will be painted and statues and gopuras of Chamaraja Wadiyar, Jayachamaraja Wadiyar, Krishnaraja Wadiyar and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar will be given a fresh coat of paint.

Repair works have also been planned at Vishnuvardhan Park and JLB Road Park, besides repairs to children’s play equipment in ward gardens. In a move aimed at containing expenditure, the MCC has decided not to illuminate public parks this year, as the city will already be extensively illuminated for Dasara.