Govt-backed Kambala to resume in Pilikula after 9 years amid safety concerns on Nov 17

Govt-backed Kambala to resume in Pilikula after 9 years amid safety concerns on Nov 17

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov 3, 2024: A meeting chaired by Dakshina Kannada in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao decided to revive the government-supported kambala race, set to take place for two days at the Dr. Shivaram Karanth Pilikula Nisargadhama starting November 17. The race, a traditional buffalo race event last held in December 2014, was halted after objections from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), India, due to concerns over animal cruelty.

Officials also discussed extending select programs of the Karavali Utsav 2024 to Pilikula, aiming to draw more visitors to the region. Deputy Commissioner M.P. Mullai Muhilan proposed the Karavali Utsav run for one month from December 14, with an inauguration scheduled for December 13.

Assistant Director of Tourism S.R. Rashmi informed the meeting that 70% of the race track’s construction at Pilikula has been completed, requiring an estimated ₹70 lakh for the event. MLC Manjunath Bhandary has already allocated ₹5 lakh toward the funding. Minister Rao instructed officials to form a committee of local representatives and officials to oversee the event.

However, safety concerns for nearby animals were raised by H. Jayaprakash Bhandary, director of Pilikula Biological Park. In a recent letter, he cautioned that kambala’s loud environment could distress the zoo’s animals, as previous events reportedly led to abnormal animal behavior lasting weeks. He urged the Deputy Commissioner to establish a 500-meter silent zone around the park.

With ongoing legal challenges to kambala in Bengaluru and Pilikula, local legislators emphasized the need for precaution.