Seeks transparent pass distribution based on Mysore Palace’s seating capacity

Mysuru: Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar has urged the District Administration and Dasara organisers to give top priority to safety, crowd management and law and order during the festivities.

Speaking at an interaction organised by the Mysuru District Journalists’ Association (MDJA) at Pathrakarthara Bhavan on Wednesday, he recalled last year’s accidents and crime and said adequate precautionary measures must be taken this year.

He stressed the need for proper crowd control and security during Jumboo Savari and other major events and for ensuring the safety of tourists. He said security arrangements should continue for a few days after Vijayadashami, as tourist inflow would remain high.

Transparent pass system

Yaduveer said the Mysore Palace has a fixed capacity and allowing more people than it can accommodate would be unsafe. Pass distribution should be transparent and based on the available seating capacity, he said, adding that the issue recurs every year. He suggested introducing an online or QR-code-based system to avoid confusion.

The MP also called for greater focus on tourism infrastructure in Mysuru. He said discussions had been held with the State Tourism Minister and that any project should take into account the city’s environment and heritage.

Local economy

On calls to keep Dasara celebrations simple in view of drought conditions, Yaduveer said the festival should not be viewed only as a celebration but also as an opportunity to boost the local economy. The arrival of tourists benefits hotels, taxis, street vendors and small traders and generates employment and business opportunities, he said.

On Mahisha Dasara, Yaduveer said he had no objection to events that did not hurt the sentiments of others. However, if such programmes had ideological or other motives, the organisers should explain them, he said.

He said the growth of Mysuru was inevitable, but preserving its traditions, environment and heritage was equally important. A comprehensive heritage framework was needed to strike a balance between development and conservation, he said.

Reservations over Dasara Kambala

Yaduveer expressed reservations about holding Kambala, the traditional buffalo race of coastal Karnataka, as part of Mysuru Dasara.

He said public opinion should be taken into consideration, particularly when the festival already faces challenges in infrastructure and management. Instead of adding new programmes, priority should be given to streamlining the existing arrangements, he said.

MDJA President K. Deepak, General Secretary Dharmapura Narayana, Treasurer Suresh and Vice-President Ravi Pandavapura were present.