District in-charge and Co-operation Minister GT Devegowda launched the Dasara website ‘www.mysoredasara.com’ here on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that various cultural programmes were being organised at Somanathapura, Nanjangud and Srirangapatna. Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) and City Corporation have been given the responsibility of flying balloons with lights, a special event this year. An amount of Rs five crore will be devoted towards Dasara expenditure. this year

“All the City parks will be decorated with lights and the district administration has been told to identify 12 places in the city where projectors can be used to telecast live Dasara programmes. Members of various NGOs and public forums have been asked to take individual responsibilities to oversee the programmes taking place in their premises.

 Maintaining cleanliness in the city will be of utmost importance. KEB has also agreed to supply continuous electricity,” he said.

Further, he informed that KSRTC buses will be used as vehicle for publicity. Ten hi-tech buses will be started shortly. There will not be any hike in the bus fare. Apart from this, publicity through different airlines will be started shortly.  Air India has agreed to give publicity through its airline magazines.

Film Festival
This year the number of theatres have been increased to nine, from five last year. Award winning Kannada films and foreign movies will also be screened. Children’s films and documentaries will also be screened, he said. Ticket price in theatres will be Rs 5 and entry to Balbhavan will be free.

 A two-day symposium on cinema will be organised in Rangayana.

In addition, CAVA students have been asked to exhibit their paintings and a book exhibition will be organised too,  the minister said.

Yuva Dasara
Speaking on Yuva Dasara, he said, “We have been receiving suggestions for change of venue, but as there is no alternative to the open air theatre. Hema Malini and troupe may perform at the Palace on October 20. Artistes Sonu Nigam and S P Balasubramanyam have agreed to perform during Yuva Dasara, apart from this children from ‘Yede Thumbi Haduvenu’  fame have also been invited to perform on this occasion.  

Infrastructure
Speaking on bad roads, the minister said, “Tenders have already been called, but we have delayed the repair work owing to rains. Maintaining roads will be problematic during this season, but we are taking up minor repair works.” KSRTC, Divisional Controller, Ashok Kumar,  MLC K T Srikantegowda, Deputy Commissioner N S Channappa Gowda and A R Prakash were present.