Mysuru: “There is no money to repair roads in Karnataka. Individual legislators are begging for just Rs. 1 crore in grants per Assembly constituency to repair roads. In such dire financial circumstances caused by the Congress Government’s reckless fiscal mismanagement, splurging Rs. 92 crore on the ‘Cauvery Aarti’ is completely unnecessary,” asserted Krishnaraja MLA T.S. Srivatsa.

Speaking to the media persons in Mysuru yesterday, Srivatsa questioned the Government’s priorities, arguing that the ‘Cauvery Aarti’ project at the KRS Dam is more of a political showpiece than a genuine cultural need. He suggested that if an ‘Aarti’ was truly necessary, religious organisations could have organised it voluntarily, without draining the State exchequer.

“Basic civic works like road repairs remain neglected due to a lack of funds. Ensuring the cleanliness of the Cauvery River would be a far more meaningful tribute than spending crores on ceremonial rituals,” he remarked.

On the issue of illegal activities near the Kabini backwaters, Srivatsa raised alarm over unauthorised constructions mushrooming unchecked, with no regulatory action from the authorities so far.

He also criticised the Government’s push for sports activities in ecologically sensitive regions like Kabini, pointing out that such initiatives must involve prior consultations with forest experts and environmentalists. “Without proper discussion, these projects may cause unforeseen damage and disturb local ecosystems,” he warned.