The demand for a KSRTC bus depot in Sringeri — a pilgrim centre that attracts thousands of visitors throughout the year — has been pending for over a decade for want of land.
It appears that not even five acres of government revenue land is available in Chikkamagaluru district for swapping with the Forest Department. As much as 2.5 acres of forestland is required for the construction of the depot here. Five acres of land was finally identified at Masige village, off Sringeri-Jayapura Road, for the depot. But, the Forest Department wanted equal extent of revenue land in the district, before releasing the identified land to the KSRTC.
Then in 2011, the district administration and the KSRTC identified five acres of revenue land in Hallikere Kaval of Kadur taluk to swap with the Forest Department, but the proposal has been kept pending till now.
The Forest Department now says that afforestation activities are being taken up by the department on that land. Balehonnur-based consumer rights activist Shankaranarayana Bhat, who had been fighting over the issue for a long time, said the chances of Sringeri getting a bus depot appear bleak.
Establishment of a depot would not have been this difficult, but for a strong lobby by private bus operators who feel threatened by KSRTC’s increased presence, Mr. Bhat alleged.
Improving economy The KSRTC operates over 40 services to and from Sringeri. A depot could help increase local operations and generate employment for the rural youth, Mr. Bhat said.
Sources in the KSRTC said the depot will not only help the corporation to improve operations, but also give a boost to local economy.
Sringeri MLA D.N. Jeevaraj told The Hindu that he has spoken to the Deputy Commissioner, who has promised to identify suitable revenue land to be swapped with the forestland.
