Rangayana seeks Kukkarahalli Lake land to hold events

Mysuru: Citing shortage of space to host various camps, Rangayana, the theatre repertory, has requested University of Mysore to provide the adjacent Kukkarahalli Lake land for the events.
Every year, Rangayana hosts a summer camp after completion of schools exams in April.
The camp is generally held for children in the age group of 7 to 14 years where only 300 children are admitted under first-come-first basis.During the camp, children are exposed to theatre, acting, singing, folk, painting, games, environmental issues and various others activities.
While Rangayana hosts various activities during the summer camp for children, the authorities claim that it is facing shortage of space to host all the events.
As the lush green Kukkarahalli Lake area is maintained and managed by University of Mysore, the theatre group has requested the university authorities to provide nearly an acre land of the lake on the south part of the Rangayana premises near Bhoomigeetha auditorium.
Rangayana director Addanda C Cariappa told TOI that they have requested the university authorities to provide lake area which is adjacent to the Rangayana.
“We have requested the area near the food gallery. We conduct Chinnara Mela and there will be huge crowd. Children who participate in the summer camp should not feel congested. So, we have requested some space which will be used only during the Chinnara Mela. University of Mysore vice-chancellor Hemanth Kumar has assured to provide the land,” he said.
When TOI contacted registrar R Shivappa, he said that the university has received the request from Rangayana seeking Kukkarahalli Lake land for hosting Chinnara Mela. “We have to think on the issue, ”he said.
However, environmentalists and morning walkers at the lake expressed disappointment by the demand by Rangayana. Morning walker Sunil said that the Kukkarahalli Lake area is the lung space where hundreds of people walk morning and evening time.
“It should be preserved and protected. There is enough space in Rangayana to host big events. University authorities should not permit to use the lake area as it will disturb the birds and animals but also damage the vegetation,” he said.
No decision yet on Chinnara Mela
The Rangayana is yet to take a decision on conducting Chinnara Mela this year due to coronavirus scare. The summer camp for kids is from April 11 to May 10. Rangayana director Addanda C Cariappa told TOI, “We will wait till March 25, watch the development on coronavirus situation, consult the government and take a call on whether to conduct Chinnara Mela or not.”