Even as Shravanabelagola is gearing up for Mahamastakabhisheka of Gomateshwara statue atop Vindhyagiri, an event held once in 12 years, residents are pointing fingers at the lack of basic amenities for tourists. Those who climb over 600 steps to have glimpses of the statue do not have access to potable water. The washrooms are also not maintained properly, they alleged.
“If tourists visit in the evening, no toilets are open in the vicinity,” said Shreyas, who runs a toy shop near Vindhyagiri.
“People have to go in search of open places to answer nature’s call in the evening as the toilets near the footsteps of Vindhyagiri are closed by 6 p.m. I have seen tourists requesting the locals to allow them to use their toilets,” he said.
The public toilets constructed near KSRTC bus-stand are locked. “The government is spending ₹175 crore on the event. I hope the amount is utilised to ensure basic facilities for visitors,” said Mohan Kumar, a carpenter.
The place, which attracts hundreds of visitors every day, does not have a unit to provide potable water. “In many villages, we see Shuddha Ganga units, where drinking water is filtered through reverse osmosis system. I am surprised the district administration has not thought of one in this place,” wondered Padmesh, a shopkeeper.
The local people also alleged there is no proper parking place. The vacant place around the pond in front of Vindhyagiri was earlier used for parking. “Metal railings have been placed around the pond, reducing the parking yard. Even the residents do not space to park vehicles,” added Mr. Padmesh.
During Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s visit on Saturday, the movement of public and vehicles on the road in front of Vindhyagiri was restricted.
“The same thing will happen during Mahamastakabhisheka when a huge number of VIPs visit this place. We have to show identity cards to the police to reach our shops,” said Shreyas, a shopkeeper.
