Cauvery Aarti, Amusement Park, Brindavan Gardens extension will create 4,500 jobs: D.K. Shivakumar

Mandya: Amid swirling rumours of a leadership change in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister (Dy.CM) D.K. Shivakumar (DKS) made a heartfelt appeal to the people of Mandya, seeking their support and blessings.

Addressing the gathering with rare candour during the ‘bagina’ offering ceremony at KRS Dam yesterday, Shivakumar said, “I have spoken boldly on several matters from this very stage. Please do not misunderstand my words. I seek your cooperation.”

To revitalise tourism at Brindavan Gardens, he announced plans for an upgraded lighting system inspired by Mysuru Dasara, as well as new landscaping with imported flowers and musical fountains. Private investors are being invited to support the initiative.

Shivakumar also floated the idea of a ritual prayer ceremony near the Cauvery Aarti site. “We want to promote religious tourism and spiritual experiences,” he said. “If people can pray in their homes and temples, why not offer a prayer for the well-being of the Government and our Dam?”

According to Shivakumar, the Cauvery Aarti and the proposed Amusement Park could create 1,500 jobs in Mandya and Mysuru, while Brindavan Gardens’ expansion could generate an additional 3,000 jobs. He expressed disappointment over the opposition to these plans. “With folded hands in front of Mother Cauvery, I request you not to oppose this. What good comes of opposition?” he asked.

Rs. 2,000 crore for Cauvery basin development

Highlighting the Government’s development push, Shivakumar announced that over Rs. 2,000 crore had been sanctioned this year for the Cauvery river basin, including Rs. 1,000 crore for Mandya district alone. He said the Government was prioritising irrigation, with Rs. 1,000 crore already spent on modernising the Cauvery canal network.

He acknowledged delays in contractor payments and attributed part of the financial strain to previous Governments. “Chief Ministers Yediyurappa and Kumaraswamy had approved works exceeding budgetary limits, which is now affecting us,” he noted.

He also dismissed Opposition criticism regarding Dam safety. “When one of the Tungabhadra Dam gates broke, they said it would collapse in 15 days. We repaired it in a day, saved two crop seasons and secured farmers’ livelihoods. That is our record,” he said, adding that a technical team is now overseeing phased repairs across dams.

Calling it a “historic day,” Shivakumar reflected on the spiritual and economic importance of the Cauvery. “Water is life. Cauvery is our lifeline. When Kannambadi Katte (KRS Dam) is full, we live in contentment,” he said.

Concluding his address, he said, “We have offered our devotion to Mother Cauvery, one of India’s most sacred rivers. Born in Karnataka, she flows to Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Bengaluru. A major initiative is underway to honour this divine journey.”