Mandya, June 14 (MR&DM)- Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar has reiterated his opposition to the proposed Amusement Park at Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam in Srirangapatna taluk, even as he expressed support for the ‘Cauvery Aarti’ initiative at the site.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP office in Mandya on Thursday, Yaduveer stated that he has consistently opposed the State Government’s plan to set up an Amusement Park at a cost of hundreds of crores of rupees. He emphasised that the interests of farmers, the public and residents guide his stand.

“As an elected representative and as the titular head of the erstwhile Mysore Royal Family, it is my responsibility to respect the sentiments of the people. The over-century-old KRS Dam is a sensitive area and people are determined to protect it. While we fully support tourism development, an Amusement Park is not the only way forward. Mandya district has many other tourist spots that can be developed. Moreover, with thousands of tourists already visiting KRS Dam daily, there is no need                              to increase the footfall further by building an amusement park there,” he said.

However, Yaduveer supported the idea of organising ‘Cauvery Aarti’ on the lines of the ‘Ganga Aarti’ at Varanasi. He noted that the project aims to showcase the region’s rich culture, heritage and traditions, but objected to the huge expenditure proposed for it. “If given the responsibility, the BJP would execute the project free of cost,” he added.

Highway toll issue to be addressed

On the Mysuru-Bengaluru Highway toll issue, the MP acknowledged receiving several complaints and assured that he would take steps to resolve them by coordinating with the concerned authorities.

He said that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is working on setting up toll booths at appropriate stretches along the highway to address the problem of excess toll collection at existing booths.

Yaduveer also pointed out that while he represents the Mysuru-Kodagu Lok Sabha constituency, Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy represents Mandya.

He expressed readiness to work together to plan and promote industrial development in Mandya, Mysuru and other parts of the old Mysuru region.