Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Sep 29: A detailed report has been submitted to the state government on ways and means to reform Kambala. Some of recommendations contained therein are to give the form of festival for the Kambala in order to turn it into a cultural attraction of the coast for the tourists, formation of separate authority, instituting a buffalo breed conservation centre, training centre etc. The report also contains the recommendation that the state and central governments together have to sanction a grant of ten crore rupees for the same.
Dr S K Mittal, president of Karnataka Animal Welfare Board, who undertook tour of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts and held consultation with deputy commissioners, officials of the animal husbandry department and Kambala Samiti and organizers, has prepared this report.
Between November and March every year, about 18 to 20 modern Kambalas are held on every Saturday and Sunday. A number of traditional Kambalas too are organized. The report mainly recommends giving Kambala the form of festival and giving it wide coverage and publicity in the country and abroad.
It is learnt that Undivided Dakshina Kannada district Kambala Samiti president, P R Shetty and other organizers provide necessary information and inputs to Mittal.
As currently there is no systematic grant from the government for the Kambala and the committees are not properly authorised, it has been recommended to set up academy or authority for the Kambala development. Instead Of the current Kambala committee, committee for every district with a central committee in the form of a union have been recommended. Training centres at Moodbidri, Miyar, Byndoor and Paivalike have been recommended. Nineteen fitness training centres for the Kambala jockeys and buffalos have also been recommended. Many incentives to Kambala jockeys in governments and other jobs, Rajyotsava awards, free bus passes, scholarships for the children of jockeys, pension, insurance etc have also been recommended.
For the aged buffalos and others, shelter, breed conservation, procreation and development should be provided through centres on the lines of cow shelters. For the purpose, 25 acres of green land by the side of river can be allotted in which a 10,000 sq ft shed and buildings can be constructed. The report also speaks of reserving five acres of land for raising medicinal plants.