Mysuru: With the world famous Mysuru Dasara a little over two months away, Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) Commissioner M.K. Savitha and officials, on Tuesday, undertook a preliminary inspection of works that are to be taken up ahead of Dasara (Oct. 11 to 21) on the entire 5-km stretch of Raja Marga, Jumboo Savari procession route.

The officials started inspection of Dasara-related civic works in front of Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple (Palace North Gate) by checking the condition of footpath pavements on both sides of the road, the potholes and road cuttings that are to be fixed and other necessary works along the stretches of the Raja Marga.

They also inspected seating arrangements on the steps from Deaf & Dumb School in Bamboo Bazar till Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Circle (Highway Circle).

The MCC officials, taking note of the road digging for major pipeline works around the ever-busy Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Circle (Hardinge Circle) directed the authorities concerned to complete all related  works, on a war-footing. MCC Commissioner Savitha was accompanied by SE K.J. Sindhu, Zonal Commissioners and Development Officers of Zone-1, 6 & 7.

Gajapayana on Aug. 26

Heralding the formal arrival of Dasara-2026, Gajapayana, the march of Dasara elephants from Veeranahosahalli Gate coming under Nagarhole Tiger Reserve in Hunsur will take place on  Aug. 26. As many as 16 elephants have been shortlisted for this year’s Dasara, out of which 8-9 elephants will arrive in city on Aug. 26 in first batch, while the rest will arrive in the second and final batch on a later date.

As a first step in this regard, senior Forest Department officials & Veterinary doctors visited 6 elephant camps in the district and carried out ECG examination of all elephants identified for Dasara. Besides, ultrasound scanning, faecal test, urine and blood tests of female elephants were carried out a few days ago for pregnancy detection, the results of which are awaited.

Meanwhile, Forest officials will be attending a meeting in next week at Aranya Bhavan in Bengaluru for finalising the list of about 12 elephants that would take part in Dasara procession. Subsequently, the Forest Minister is expected to announce the full list of Dasara elephants.