From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Aug 10: Severe drought conditions in different parts of Karnataka with over 125 taluks already declared drought-hit by the State Government and a pall of gloom pervading the farming community with over a hundred farmers committing suicide owing to crop failure and the debt trap menace, the State Government has decided to hold the world-famous Mysuru Dasara festival in a low key manner this year.

A high-level meeting to discuss the preparations for the ensuing Dasara festival, which was held under the chairmanship of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru on Monday, decided in favour of organising low key Dasara festivities starting from October 22.

The meeting was attended by ministers, legislators and senior government officials.

After 1972, the State has been facing its worst drought this year and hence it was decided to celebrate the festival in a simple way.

The farming community has been hit hard owing to deficit rainfall in June, July and August.

In fact, the south-west monsoon showed a 28 per cent deficit as on August 10. More than 100 taluks are reeling under drought.

The Chief Minister has asked committee members to collect views and suggestions from writers and social leaders on holding the festival this year.

A final decision on how to go about the Dasara celebrations would be taken in the next three to four days, Siddaramaiah said.

Asked about the adverse impact on the tourism sector, he said the Government would also look into that aspect as Mysuru topped the Swachh Bharat rankings among 476 cities in the country.

The State Cabinet, which would meet on Tuesday or Wednesday, would discuss the issue related to Dasara, the Chief Minister said.