Mysuru district in-charge Minister H.C. Mahadevappa has said that the government is committed to the comprehensive development of Mudukuthore, which is a popular religious and tourist destination.He was addressing a review meeting in T. Narsipur on December 29, ahead of the Mudukuthore Jatra Mahotsava, scheduled to be held from January 21 to 28, 2026.The Mudukothore Mallikarjunaswamy temple is one of the Panchalinga sites, the other four being Talkadu Vaidyanatheshwara, Sri Pataleshwara, Sri Maruleshwara and Sri Arakeshwara. So, the jatra in Mudukuthore draws pilgrims in large numbers.The Minister directed officials to ensure that all preparations are in place ahead of the jatra’s commencement. He instructed them to ensure that the cultural programmes are finalised and publicised ahead of schedule.The officials were also told to ensure availability of safe drinking water and take precautionary measures at the bathing ghats of the Cauvery river. “Emphasis should be on cleanliness and sanitation so that devotees visiting the jatra do not face any inconvenience,’’ said Mr. Mahadevappa.The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department was directed to take precautions to prevent the spread of infectious diseases among cattle as the event also entails the presence of livestock for sale. The Agriculture, Horticulture and Fisheries departments were instructed to arrange exhibitions to create public awareness on various schemes launched by the government.With regard to infrastructure, the Minister said several development works have already been taken up, including the construction of a residential school, a lift irrigation project, and roads.“Every village in the constituency will be developed and funds will be provided,” said Mr. Mahadevappa, pointing out that in the case of Mudukuthore, financial allocations have been made for a new bus stand, a hospital, a college, and irrigation facilities for farmers.Representatives of the local community in Mudukuthore complained to the Minister about an acute drinking water scarcity that is plaguing the village, and he instructed Mysuru Zilla Panchayat CEO S. Yukesh Kumar to personally visit the village, conduct an inspection, and resolve peoples’ grievances on a priority basis.The Minister also took part in the groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation of the Mudukuthore lift irrigation project and the construction of an Ayushman hospital at T. Bettahalli village.The Talakadu Vaidyanatheshwara Group of Temples Committee president, B. Shettihalli Gram Panchayat president, and officials from various departments were present.Published - December 29, 2025 07:10 pm IST