Mysuru: Mysuru and Bengaluru Kambala Committee Chairman and Puttur MLA Ashok Rai visited the Mysuru Development Authority (MDA) land at Sathagalli near Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) Regional Centre campus in the city this morning and inspected the arrangements being made for Kambala (buffalo race), scheduled on Oct. 18 and 19 during forthcoming Dasara festival.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Rai said ‘we are eager to introduce the rural sport in Dasara.  About 150 to 180 pairs of buffaloes are expected to run.’

“Kambala will be organised without causing any damage to the ecology and bio-diversity. No trees will be cut for the race and the environment lovers and Mysureans should co-operate in organising the race,” he said.

While a grant of Rs. 8 crore is expected from the Government to organise the race, it may require much lesser between Rs. 5 crore and Rs. 6 crore. More than Government grants, the race runs on patronage of sponsors.

When the Kambala was previously organised at Bengaluru Palace Grounds, the Government had provided Rs. 2 crore grants, while the rest of the expenditure was borne out by sponsorships. About 15,000 to 20,000 turnout is expected to witness the race, he added.