D K Shivakumar visits Krishna Raja Sagara dam in Mandya; proposes 'Cauvery Arathi' like 'Ganga Arathi' in Varanasi

ysuru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar proposed 'Cauvery Arathi' on the lines of 'Ganga Arathi' in Varanasi, near river Cauvery, in Mandya district.

The Deputy Chief Minister along with Agriculture and Mandya district in-charge Minister N Chaluvarayaswamy paid a visit to the Krishna Raja Sagara dam, in Srirangapatna taluk, on Monday morning.

Speaking to reporters after the visit, Shivakumar said that 'Cauvery Arathi' similar to 'Ganga Arathi' in Varanasi will be conducted by the Department of Water Resources, in association with the Department of Religious Endowment.

This will also improve the tourism activities in the region. A team would be constituted comprising Ministers and officials of both the departments. They would be sent to Varanasi to study the possibilities, and a report will be submitted to the government within a month. The issue would be discussed in the cabinet and an approval will be sought, Shivakumar said.

Experts from Varanasi will be brought to the district to study the possibilities and place where the 'Cauvery Arathi' can be conducted, so that as many people can view the same, he said.

The water level of the KRS dam as on July 22 morning was 123.20 ft as against the maximum capacity of 124.80 ft, at 8 am. The inflow was 60,016 cusec and outflow 52,020 cusec.

Krishna Raja Sagara dam

The KRS dam has filled to its maximum level after a gap of two years. The dam did not reach its maximum level in 2023, due to deficient rainfall in the region.

The boating arena at KRS dam has been inundated with huge inflow and, as a result, boating has been suspended.

Besides, the bridge that connects the south portion of the Brindavan Gardens to the northern portion has also been submerged. Hence, tourists are not allowed to the north side of the Brindavan Gardens. The musical fountain show has been suspended temporarily, disappointing the tourists.