Karnataka Bhavan soon in God's own land

Bengaluru: The state government, which has been facing some legal hurdles in the matter, has decided to make a fresh attempt to build a Karnataka Bhavan at Tirupati for the convenience of pilgrims from the state.  

Although Karnataka owns a  seven acre plot in Andhra Pradesh, it has not been able to the build the bhavan as a private individual objected to it and got a stay order on its construction. But now it has decided to take the help of the Andhra Pradesh government and move a common application before the Andhra Pradesh High Court seeking its approval to construct the bhavan and other buildings on its property. 

The decision was taken at meeting held by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with  Additional Chief Secretary, Rathna Prabha.  and the PWD Additional Chief Secretary here on Friday. 

 "We discussed the construction of the Karnataka Bhavan on a 61,000 sq. metre plot of land with the EO of the Tirupati Devasthanam, who is all for it. The bhavan will help pilgrims from Karnataka as they will now have a place to stay at Tirupati," Ms Rathna Prabha explained,  revealing that the Chief Minister had also approved construction of a Kalyana Mantapa for weddings and a guest house over 1.5 acres for pilgrims from the state in Tirupati. 

"We have 86 rooms in Tirumala, but they are in bad condition. So the Chief Minister has ordered us to repair them after discussing the matter with the EO of Tirupati Devasthanam," she added.