While describing Nadaprabhu Kempegowda as an ideal administrator who laid the foundation for Bengaluru’s growth, Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda said the city’s rapid expansion has made it imperative to focus on sustainable development. He was speaking after presiding over the Kempegowda Jayanti celebrations organised jointly by the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat and the Department of Kannada and Culture at Gandhi Bhavan in Madikeri.
The MLA said Kempegowda had demonstrated remarkable foresight by constructing hundreds of lakes and tanks across the Bengaluru region, thereby ensuring adequate drinking water for future generations. However, he observed that Bengaluru’s present-day growth has placed immense pressure on its natural resources, making sustainable development an urgent necessity.
Referring to prevailing weather conditions, Dr. Mantar Gowda said the El Niño phenomenon had adversely affected rainfall across the State, including Kodagu district, where precipitation has been considerably lower than in the previous year. He said Kempegowda’s vision of balanced development should inspire present-day policymakers to pursue environmentally sustainable growth.
The MLA emphasised the ecological importance of Kodagu, stating that abundant rainfall in the district and other Malnad regions contributes significantly to water security across southern India.
“Since Kodagu plays a vital role in sustaining Bengaluru and several parts of South India through its river systems, at least one per cent of Bengaluru’s development funds should be earmarked for the conservation and development of Kodagu,” he said, adding that he had already held discussions with the Bengaluru Urban Development Minister in this regard.
Dr. Mantar Gowda also suggested that Kempegowda Jayanti should be celebrated at the taluk level under the leadership of the Vokkaligara Sangha to ensure greater public participation.
He further assured the gathering that efforts would be made to provide land and construct buildings for the Vokkaligara Sangha at the district headquarters in Madikeri as well as in Kushalnagar.
He recalled that financial assistance of Rs. 50 lakh had already been sanctioned to the Vokkaligara Sangha at Somwarpet. In addition, support had been extended for the development of Kuvempu School, while Rs. 25 lakh had been released to the Kodagu Gowda Vidya Sangha. He also assured assistance for developing a park near the statue of Guddemane Appaiah Gowda at Madikeri.
