Madikeri:

The excitement in the air is palpable at Talacauvery, which is preparing for the Theerthodbhava of River Cauvery, an annual festival all set to take place at 12.33pm on Tuesday.

Popular lore holds that the river, considered the lifeline of Karnataka, gushes out of the ‘Kundike’ or spring at the auspicious Thula Sankramana hour, which occurs once a year.

With devotees expected to pour into Talacauvery from various parts of the state, besides Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the district administration has made elaborate security arrangements. Kodagu deputy commissioner Richard Vincent D’Souza reviewed the security arrangements along with superintendent of police (SP) Rajendra Prasad and MLA KG Bopaiah, reviewed the arrangements made for the annual fete.

“Police have made adequate arrangements for parking at Talacauvery and Bhagamandala. Only vehicles with the valid pass will be allowed travel from Bhagamandala to Talacauvery,” said SP Prasad.

Prasad added that KSRTC would be running as many as 30 additional buses during the event. “Arrangements have also been made to ensure devotees are provided food and drinking water. Temporary toilets have been set up at several places,” he added.

The senior cop said that 600 constables, three DSPs, six inspectors, 50 sub-inspectors and 150 NCC cadets were deployed for security.

“Vehicular movement will be monitored at 10 different locations,” he said.

Police officials said that closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras had been installed at several locations to keep a watch on the celebrations. “Moreover, one-way system has been put in place on arterial roads to avoid congestion. Sale of liquor has been prohibited within a 10 kilometre radius. Since Deepavali is also being celebrated, district administration is expecting more people this year,” said a cop.

A series of cultural programmes have been organised as part of the event.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Mysore News / TNN / October 17th, 2017