Hassan – Chief Minister Siddharamaiah will launch the works related to Bahubali Mahamastakabhisheka, scheduled for February 2018, in Shravanabelagola on April 16.

Disclosing this during a preliminary meeting here on Sunday, District in-Charge Minister A Manju said that around 1,500 people are expected to attend the programme. The Jain Mutt in Shravanabelagola has made seating arrangements for all, and the programme will start at 11 am and conclude by 1 pm, he said.

The Minister directed the authorities to begin the programme at the scheduled time and not wait for the Chief Minister in case of any delay. Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and Sri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji will address the gathering and Siddharamaiah will join them later. The programme should be concluded by lunch time, he added.

Manju directed the PWD Officials to make a spot inspection and utilise maximum space for the construction of decks at Vindhyagiri. When Deputy Commissioner V. Chaitra explained to the meeting that Rs. 5 crore released for acquiring lands will be insufficient as additional lands are being sought, Manju said that additional works and land acquisition should be managed with available resources as it is not possible to release additional funds.