Is this how we welcome tourists for Mysuru Dasara 2024?

Sir,

It’s heartening to see that District authorities have begun preparations for Dasara festivities a full 10 weeks in advance. However, I’d like to highlight a few persistent issues in the Ittigegud area, particularly around Mysuru Zoo, which have been overlooked year after year despite our repeated requests.

The parking area in front of the Zoo is outdated — about 35 to 40 years old — and cannot accommodate the current volume of vehicles, which has surged dramatically. While a second, larger parking area has been designated at the Exhibition Grounds (Zoo Parking 2), vehicles are not being properly directed there.

As a result, vehicles are haphazardly parked in and around the lanes and main roads of Ittigegud, causing a major nuisance for residents. During long weekends, summer holidays, and especially Dasara, it becomes nearly impossible for us to access our vehicles due to improper traffic management.

The Police must take immediate action by installing clear signage, deploying adequate manpower and ensuring effective patrolling to direct vehicles to the Exhibition parking area. This issue is particularly rampant with taxis, tempo travellers and buses, which often park improperly to avoid parking fees. Strict enforcement is necessary to alleviate this burden on Ittigegud residents. We urge the Police to take these necessary steps to manage traffic and enforce proper parking during the Dasara month.

Another pressing concern is the presence of cattle on the streets of Ittigegud, especially on Manasara Road, from the Zoo towards the Exhibition parking area. The footpaths along this road, as well as those leading to the Mall of Mysore from Siddappa Choultry Circle, are littered with cow dung, making them unusable.

The situation worsens during the rainy season, as the footpaths become slippery and dangerous. Additionally, these footpaths are overgrown with weeds, parthenium plants and heaps of garbage.

The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC), which has been turning a blind eye to these issues, must take action. Is this the way we want to welcome tourists who come to Mysuru for the world-famous Dasara festival? The MCC authorities need to address these issues promptly to ensure the city is clean and ready for the upcoming festival.

—Aggrieved Residents, Ittigegud, 6.8.2024

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