Hassan DC visits Maragunda, interacts with local people

Shivamogga

Highlighting the cooperation of local residents in promoting tourism, Hassan Deputy Commissioner K.S. Lathakumari appealed to tourists to respect the sanctity of the place.

On Tuesday, Ms. Lathakumari visited Bettada Byraveshwara Temple at Maragunda in Sakleshpur taluk, and interacted with the residents. The Deputy Commissioner’s visit had come in the wake of the alleged assault on pre-wedding shoot photographers.

During her visit, she told the villagers not to take law into their hands. “The tourists who visit the places should maintain cleanliness and ensure the local atmosphere is not vitiated. Similarly, we need the cooperation of the residents to promote tourism,” she said.

Speaking to the media, Ms. Lathakumari said the representatives of nine villages attended the meeting. “It is a historic temple administered by the Muzrai Department. Hundreds of people visit the temple regularly. We need the cooperation and support of the local residents to promote tourism. They (residents) have placed some demands,” the officer said.

Professional photographers, who were engaged in a pre-wedding photoshoot at the temple, were assaulted by a group of local residents on March 27. The video clips of the incident had gone viral. The Sakleshpur police booked a case based on a complaint lodged by photographers. The residents had blamed the photographers for the incident.