Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Karnataka High Court Stays Cauvery Aarti, Demands Dam Safety Affidavits

The division bench endorsed obtaining an expert opinion from the Indian Institute of Science on dam safety.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
Image
The government aims to launch the Cauvery aarti event by Dasara and is planning a facility to accommodate around 10,000 people to witness it, however, there are concerns that the initiative could negatively affect agricultural practices in the wider Cauvery basin. (HT Photo/For representation)

Overview

  • The High Court imposed an interim stay on the State Government’s ₹92 crore Cauvery Aarti project near the Krishnaraja Sagar dam.
  • The court directed the government to file affidavits clarifying whether technical dam safety assessments were conducted before approving both the Aarti ceremony and the proposed ₹2,663 crore Disneyland-style amusement park.
  • Petitioners including agriculturists Sunanda Jayaram and K. Boraiah contend that large-scale construction and visitor influx could jeopardize dam integrity, pollute the Cauvery and disrupt the local ecosystem.
  • The bench endorsed seeking an expert safety opinion from the Indian Institute of Science under the Dam Safety Act, 2021.
  • The next hearing is scheduled for July 23 to review the state’s affidavits and relevant technical reports.