Minister asks Udupi administration to invest ₹6 cr for infrastructure upgrades ahead of Paryaya Mahotsava

Udupi district in-charge and Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, on January 6, instructed Udupi district administration to invest ₹6 crore to create basic infrastructure in Udupi ahead of Paryaya Mahotsava scheduled on January 18.

Speaking at a video conference held with MLAs of Udupi and Udupi district administration to review preparations for the Paryaya, the minister said the event is expected to draw a huge number of people to Udupi. The administration should, therefore, assess the preparations made to facilitate the smooth conduct of the event, she said.

Road development and other essential civic works in and around Udupi should also be prioritised. With limited time available, the work should be carried out in mission mode, including day-and-night operations if necessary, to ensure no shortcomings in arrangements, she said.

The minister stated that all MLAs of the district should be taken into confidence when planning and executing all operations.

The video conference was attended by V. Sunil Kumar, Karkala MLA, Kiran Kumar Kodgi, Kundapur MLA, Gururaj Gantihole, Byndoor MLA and Gurme Suresh Shetty, Kaup MLA, among others. Udupi Deputy Commissioner T. K. Swaroopa was also present.

The biennial Paryaya of Udupi Sri Krishna Mutt is a major religious event. As part of the event, Vedavardhana Tirtha of Sri Shiroor Mutt will ascend the Sarvajna Peetha for the first time on January 18.

Horekanike offerings

To facilitate ‘annadhana’ for an estimated three lakh devotees during the 10-day Paryaya period, horekanike offerings will be collected from households across eight zones, with daily processions scheduled in Udupi from January 10 to 17.