Dakshina Kannada district in-charge Minister U.T. Khader on Tuesday said that all government departments concerned have been directed to complete infrastructure development works in connection with the 10-day Bahubali Mahamastakabhisheka to be held in Dharmasthala from February 9.
Speaking to reporters after chairing a meeting at Dharmasthala, Mr. Khader said that the district administration would extend all cooperation to the organisers of the event, held once in 12 years, to make it a grand success.
While the Public Works Department has released ₹ 23 crore for road works, the Tourism Department would spend ₹ 2 crore for beautification of Dharmasthala.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation would operate 50 additional bus services between Dharmasthala and various parts of the State during the festivities.
Besides personnel from the district police, about 300 Home Guards personnel too would be drafted for security arrangements during the Mahamastakabhisheka.
CCTVs would be installed at important locations to ensure the safety of devotees, Mr. Khader said.
The administration has also asked telecom service providers to augment network capacity during the festivities to meet the excess demand for connectivity. Bike ambulances and ambulances would be present, while three medical centres would be set up for healthcare facilities of devotees.
Dharmadhikari D. Veerendra Heggade thanked the administration for its gesture and said that the Mahamastakabhisheka would be an occasion to exhibit to the world the virtues of Lord Bahubali — peace, self-control and sacrifice. The main rituals would be held from February 16 for three days, he added.
