Melukote:  Minor Irrigation and Mandya District in-Charge Minister C.S. Puttaraju informed that the newly constituted Melukote Development Authority (MDA) came into existence on Feb.1, 2019 itself.

Speaking at a book release programme organised by the Academy of Sanskrit Research at Melukote recently, he said that the Authority must have started all its activities since March itself but it was postponed due to enforcement of model code of conduct due to Lok Sabha polls. However, the Authority will begin its activities from next week, he said.

He said that Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple will be developed as one of the model religious places in the country and the Authority was formed for the development of the region.

He said, “The State Government, led by Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, has decided to make Melukote as one of the model places with all the required facilities.”

Puttaraju said, “The State Government has earmarked Rs.100 crore to supply water from River Cauvery to Melukote. Water pipeline will be laid to supply water from the river to the temple town.” As many as 108 ponds and lakes in the area will be filled with River Cauvery water. Hosakere?pond will be developed and storage capacity of the tank will be increased. In order to encourage tourism, boating will be introduced in the lake, he said.

To ensure sufficient water, lift irrigation projects will be implemented at Balaghatta and adjoining villages,  Puttaraju said.

The Minister said, “A special programme has been planned to grow more trees at a park in Melukote. Fruit-bearing saplings will be planted near Sri Yoganarasimha Swamy Betta, Cheluva Daivi Vana, lands belonging to the temple, Sanskrit Research Academy premises and near the memorials.”

Road Development

“A comprehensive project has been planned to develop all the roads connecting the religious place. The Government has earmarked Rs.2 crore to develop concrete road between Melukote Temple and Dhanushkoti and Rs.16 crore has been sanctioned to develop road between Melukote and Gowrikatte. In all, the works worth Rs.35 crore will commence soon,” he said.