Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Jun 25: The state government has taken an initiative meant for overall development of temple town, Kollur, which has been a leading pilgrimage-cum-tourism centre in this part of the state because of the existence of Goddess Mookambika temple and proximity to Western Ghats including some naturally beautiful mountain treks. The temple's repeated efforts and pleas have finally borne fruits, and the cabinet has approved a plan involving works costing Rs 67.12 crore for the overall development of this village.

This potent abode of the powerful Goddess is frequented by lacs of people every year. Thousands of devotees line up the temple to pray and offer puja to the Goddess. Although Kollur became famous all over the world because of this temple, the village has remained by and large untouched by development. Although the temple administration was interested in helping the village to develop, it was not able to do anything independently without the government's nod, as it falls under the jurisdiction of religious endowments department. The temple, following up this initiative, had sent a petition to the government through the deputy commissioner of Udupi district.

The cabinet meeting held on June 20 gave its approval for going ahead with the development plan of Kollur. Out of the total outlay of Rs 67.12 crore, Rs 21 crore has been earmarked for the construction of dining hall. Another Rs 25.52 crore will go towards providing permanent drinking water supply to the village, while Rs 20.6 crore will be spent towards providing underground drainage system, which Kollur is badly in need of.

The dining hall being built at an expenditure of Rs 21 crore will have three stories spread over an area of 6,70,247 square feet. This building will have spacious vehicle parking area, service area, dining hall in the first floor and hall in the second floor, complete with air-conditioning system.

After a long time, the government has taken a firm and bold stand on the development of Kollur. If these three projects get executed, most of the problems faced by this village will stamd automatically addressed. Kollur, which was reeling under problems because of lack of proper effluents disposal system, was in crying need of underground drainage system. Need for the development of the village, which is visited by more and more number of pilgrims and tourists alike, was being felt since long. The villagers are elated that the government has taken note of their problems and taken steps which would be a giant leap in the history of Kollur.

In a nutshell, the projects will pave for the development of the temple along with the village itself. People of Kollur fervently look forward to the execution of the above three projects.