Mysore/Mysuru: Former MLA E. Maruthi Rao Pawar observed that Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar’s contributions to the State remains unmatched even today.

He was speaking after inaugurating ‘Cauvery Karnataka Pradeshika Samskrutika Mattu Sahitya Academy’ at a programme organised at Town Hall here on Friday.

Maintaining that those born in Mysuru, Kodagu, Chamarajanagar and Mandya districts were virtuous and that residents of Mysuru can be said to be a prideful lot, Pawar said these districts are blessed with greenery, a rich biodiversity, flora and fauna and nature’s beauty.

Pointing out that the four districts are contributing a lot to the State through their natural resources, he stressed on the need for conservation of ecology and environment.

Journalist Iytichanda Ramesh Uthappa, who spoke at the seminar on the topic ‘A thought on regional imbalance of Cauvery Karnataka,’ said Kodagu is a tourist’s paradise and is rightly called as the Switzerland of the country. However, the mushrooming of Home Stays in the district, is causing ecological damage, he bemoaned. 

Maintaining that most of the Home Stays were unauthorised, he also lamented increasing commercial activities in the district, which has posed a threat to ecological balance in the eco-sensitive region.

Pointing out that C.M. Poonacha as Chief Minister of Kodagu in 1952 had taken the district in the right path, Ramesh said  but  the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru convinced Poonacha to merge Kodagu with the Indian Union upon the promise of special grants and development. “Kodagu does not have an exclusive Lok Sabha Constituency even today. All the promises made by the Government still remains unfulfilled. More recently, Kodava language too is under threat because of large-scale migration to the district,” he bemoaned.

Senior Journalist Amshi Prasannakumar, who also spoke, opined that regional imbalance still persists in the State.

Pointing out that the then S.M. Krishna Cabinet had set aside Rs.1,000 crore for rectifying the regional imbalance which was highlighted in the D.S. Nanjundappa Commission Report, he said, unfortunately, the subsequent Governments did not do much in this regard.

Stressing on the need for setting up of Industries in Chamarajanagar district, he also emphasised on saving precious water resources and judicious use of Dam waters in Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts. He also wanted the Government to give importance for promoting  a Tourism Circuit centred around Mysuru as the city is a popular tourist destination of the South.

Academy’s Founder-President Ramesh Surve and former District Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Prof. G.T. Veerappa too spoke. Noted Architect Parvati Ramakrishna, Chutuku Sahitya Parishat State Convenor Dr. M.G.R. Urs and actor Mysuru Ramananda were conferred with ‘Kaveri Karnataka Ratna’ Award on the occasion, in consideration of their professional achievements.

Belagavi Hiremutt Seer Kalmeshawar Swamiji, artist  Ganeshrao, Dr. Chikkahejjaji, actress Meena, writer M. Mahesh Chikkallur, Academy Hon. President Dr. S. Venkatesh and others were present.