Dharmasthala: Rejuvenating the river ghat by Sensing Local

REPORT June 2017 Dharmasthala Snaan Ghat

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contents

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INTRODUCTION

AREA PROFILE: SNAAN GHAT

Project Background Approach and Methodology

Context of the Ghat Eco-system of the Ghat Ecological Landscape

TOWN PROFILE: DHARMASTHALA

Location & Context Typical routine for pilgrims Key aspects of the town Key activity areas 1// Annapoorna dining hall and kitchen 2// Snaan Ghat at Nethravathi 3// Market Complex and Streets 4// Bus Stand/Parking Area 5// Dharmasthala Park Conclusion: Potential areas for intervention Waterfront development at River Nethravathi Need for Public Space improvement Way-finding in Dharmasthala Solid Waste Management Sustainable practices in other temple towns

SELECTION OF THE AREA Feasibility and Impact Stakeholder consultation

Flows and Activities Usage patterns Management systems in place Experience of pilgrims

ANALYSIS: ISSUE CAPTURING, GOALS & ACTIONS Issue # 1 \\ Insufficient infrastructure capacity Ghat occupation & distribution of amenities Influence of ghat design Challenges, Causality, Goals & Actions Casestudies Issue # 2 \\ Hygiene, pollution & contamination User patterns Vigilance & maintainance operations Mangement systems in place Challenges, Causality, Goals & Actions Casestudies

Issue # 3 \\ Safe access to the water Changing access to water due to seasonal variation in water levels Influence of ghat design Casestudies Challenges, Causality, Goals & Ations Conclusions : Chanllenges & goals

PROPOSALS: DESIGN, ACTIONS & IMPLICATIONS Option # 1 \\ Re-activating the existing ghat Plans & Sections Actions & Implications Option # 2 \\ Creating additional ghat space Plans & Sections Actions & Implications Conclusions : Operational benefits & Way Forward

REFERENCE DOCUMENTS Profiling of the Ghats Summary of interviews

INTERIM REPORT June, 2017

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

introduction

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PROJECT BACKGROUND SKDRDP â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SELCO COLLABORATION This is an exploratory effort between SKDRDP and Selco Foundation to develop projects for collaboration that can further the cause of sustainable development practices of both organizations. This engagement builds on an earlier collaboration regarding an Integration Energy Centre (IEC) that was set up by Selco Foundation in Dharmasthala. The IEC continues to work till today generating solar powered energy to provide useful services such as phone charging stations, free drinking water using an on-site water purification system and solar powered handy lights for rental. A key partner for Selco Foundation with regard to this project is Bengaluru based Urban Planning consultancy Sensing Local, which will bring domain know-how in examining the role of spatial planning in accomplishing the goal of embedding longterm sustainability and resilience.

APPROACH & METHODOLOGY Problem Identification Data Collection Peak and non-Peak Population (Interviews & field mapping) (Secondary research)

Systems, services & management processes Mapping of behaviour of pilgrims and seasonal flux Governance structure

Data Collation and Analysis

Identifying potential approaches and areas of intervention

Assessment and Gap analysis

SCOPE & OBJECTIVE The scope of the project is to identify a targeted area in Dharmasthala that offers a chance for a need based intervention and propose solutions as well as implementation strategies for the same. The inception report lays the foundation of understanding the context of the town and guiding the decision making process to select a prospective site for intervention and the way forward.

Understanding workings of Temple town

Identification of Potential interventions

Evaluation of area based on feasibility and potential impact Stakeholder consultations

Selection of intervention

Detailed Analysis

Design and Planning

Analysis of the selected area Issue mapping and cause-effect understanidng Goals and potential actions Design proposals with actions & implications

Detailed Project Report

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

town profile: Dharmasthala

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LOCATION & CONTEXT It is renowned for the 800-year-old Shri Manjunatha Swamy temple, which attracts pilgrims all year long, with an average of 10,000 people per day. The key religious destinations of the temple town are Shri Manjunatha Swamy temple, Annapoorna dining hall, Shri Mudi Bhavan, Snaan ghat of river Nethravathi, Annapa betta and Shri Bhagwan Bahubali statue. Other non-religious destinations of the town are the Manjusha museum, the car museum and the Dharmasthala Park. Apart from these primary programs, Dharmasthala is comprised of guest houses to host the pilgrims and other supporting functions like shops, restaurants, parking areas and the bus stand. The event that receives the largest inflow of people is the Laksha Deepotsava festival in the month of November. This festival, a 5 day long grand annual celebration of lights, is said to receive around 20 lakh visitors from all over the world. There are folk performances, exhibitions and seminars along with religious ceremonies. The second largest event is the Mahashivarathri during which pilgrims from neighbouring towns and villages come on foot to worship on the auspicious day. There are activities through the night accompanied by a Ratha Yathra /Chariot procession.

GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE As per census 2011, the population of Dharmasthala is 10,000 with the primary activity as agriculture. The village has a gram panchayat, that is responsible for its overall governance. However, the temple and its supporting functions like the dining hall, kitchen, waiting area and the river, are managed under the jurisdiction of Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Trust.

Figure 1: Location of Dharmasthala, 75 km from Mangaluru Dharmasthala is situated on the banks of the River Nethravathi in the Belthangadi taluk of the Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka, India. It is connected by road through the state highway 37 to Ujire, the closest town and is about 75 km inland from Mangaluru.

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

Snaan ghat at River Nethravathi

Way to Ujire 2 km, 24 minute walk (Temple to the river)

Bus stands

Guest houses

Car Park Shops & Vendors Shri Mudi Bhavan

Shri Manjunatha Swamy temple Park

Annapoorna dinning hall

Car Park

Guest houses

Guest houses Figure 2: Temple town and River Nethravathi

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TYPICAL ROUTINE FOR PILGRIMS The temple in Dharmasthala is the primary anchor and the largest activity generator of the town. Almost all the pilgrims who come to the town pay a visit to the temple followed with a meal at Annapoorna dining hall. Most pilgrims spend less than a day in the town. Their typical journey is depicted in the diagram below. Pilgrims either travel by bus or car, and during occasions like Shivarathri also arrive by foot. Early morning travellers / overnight travelling pilgrims, often use toilet facilities at the Snaan ghat at River Nethravathi, brush and take a bath and change into fresh clothes at the ghat before going to Dharmasthala temple. While some group members tend to go for mundan to the Shri Mudi Bhavan first before taking a bath, while others enjoy the riverside. Pilgrims tend to spend between 1 hour to 1.5 hours at the river. This pilgrimage for many is part of a larger circuit that includes Horanadu, Kollur, Murudeshwar, Sringeri, Dharmasthala and Kukke Subramanya.

ENTRANCE

Car Park/ Bus Stop

Timings

Hours spent

Shri Mudi Bhavan

River Nethravathi

6:00 am -2:00 pm

1-2 hours

The temple darshan takes between 2-3 hours based on the day, date and time. It is then followed by the Annaprasadam at the Annapoorna dining hall, which is a free meal provided by the temple trust to all the pilgrims. Depending on the available time, pilgrims either visit the other public spaces in Dharmasthala like the park or museums or head back to their respective destinations. This routine takes between half a day to 2 days, and hence pilgrims chose to often also stay in guest houses Dharmasthala. The combined hosting capacity of the guest houses is close to 30,000 people.

Shri Manjunatha Swamy Temple

Annapoorna Dining Hall

6:30am -2:30pm 5:00 -8:30 pm

11:00 -2:30 pm 7:00 -10:00 pm

0.5-1 hour

2-3 hours

0.5 - 1 hour

Car Park/ Bus Stop

EXIT

1-2 hours

6-10 hours

Figure. 3: Typical routine of a pilgrim REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

Figure 4: Article about the cleanliness in Dharmasthala

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KEY ASPECTS OF THE TOWN SPIRITUALITY & CHARITY Charity and religious tolerance are a part of the history and culture of Dharmasthala. Four traditional danas observed include – Anna Dana (Feed), Aushadha Dana (Heal),Vidya Dana (Educate) and Abhaya Dana (Protect from fear). Every one of the thousands of pilgrims, who enter the portals of Dharmasthala to seek the blessings of Lord Manjunatha, is offered free food irrespective of caste, creed, culture or status. Another endeavour to eradicate social evils like dowry, caste-ism, untouchability and financial debt, introduced in 1972 has been the concept of “Mass Marriages” at Dharmasthala. Further, to bring about a reform in the education system of India, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara (SDM) Trust also manages 25 institutions of learning. SDM has inculcated new creative methodologies and also brought into practice the ancient scientific forms like the gurukul system.

CLEANLINESS & HYGIENE The temple authorities take pride in the way they practice what they preach. Their idea of cleanliness and purity is reflected in the temple complex and surroundings. All the religious buildings as well as the public spaces, including the toilet facilities are maintained exceptionally well by the staff. There is a strong aspiration of the trust to spread the message of purity and instil it in the pilgrims as part of the culture of the temple.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT The temple receives lakhs of pilgrims every year from all over the country. This kind of footfall calls for large logistical and managerial efforts to maintain the order of the temple and the surroundings. In this regard, the temple trust has undertaken several initiatives to promote sustainable practices to manage the resources within the temple premises. There are several closed loop models in place such as in management of the food and its related waste as well as in treatment of water amongst other areas.

Text ref 1: Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharmasthala REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

KEY ACTIVITY AREAS 1// ANNAPOORNA DINING HALL & KITCHEN

* Highlight of the town The most successful initiative is the management of the Annapoorna dining hall, where technological interventions and traditional practices culminate to achieve high levels of resource optimization. The Annapoorna dining hall & kitchen has succeeded in significantly completing the food and waste cycles by segregating and managing their waste. Most of the waste produced in the kitchen is processed to create value from it. The design and system of the dining hall is highly functional & efficient with clear circulation for pilgrims and staff. The average time taken for a person to sit in the dining hall, eat the Annaprasadam and the cleaning of the dining hall is a mere 13 minutes irrespective of the numbers. The management has perfected the movement of people, serving staff and cleaning staff over the years to achieve this level of efficiency. Annapoorna dining hall & kitchen Highly mechanised kitchen and efficient circulation of staff and pilgrims.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Serves up to 3000 people in one sitting.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Water Rice

Starch ANNAPOORNA KITCHEN

Cow Shed

Gobar

Organic Waste

Vegetables Plantations

Figure 5 : Key plan showing location of Annapoorna Hall

Figure 6 : Food cycle at Annapoorna

Composting

Slurry

Bio-gas

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Cleaned

Cleaning

Serving

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

2// SNAAN GHAT AT RIVER NETHRAVATHI Most pilgrims coming to Dharmasthala go the ghat where taking a dip in the sacred river is a spiritual practice. The river ghat is often the first stop for the pilgrims who have travelled long hours to arrive to Dharmasthala. Therefore, it is also used for bathing and freshening up, by many, while many others use the facilities in the town, but bathe here after the mundan. The river ghat is not just a sacred place but a vibrant public space in its own right. The public square that is sandwiched between the ghats and the access road, acts as a perfect spillover space on one half of it (on the left), while the other is reserved for parking. An important aspect to note about the river is the seasonal variation in the water levels that can be as much as 3.5 meters. At the highest, the river even floods the parking lot. Facilities: 29 toilets for men and women, no bathing facilities. Luggage room: Caters mainly to solo travellers, and has inadequate capacity to cater to other pilgrim groups.

Key Issues: • Use of soap, shampoo and detergents is very high despite vigilance, leading to much of the pollution in the water. As a result, there is seemingly a need for provision of bathing facilities and dedicated areas for washing as well as drying of clothes. • Due to the fact that circulation space, clothes changing activity and drying of clothes is all crunched together at the ghats. The ghat is highly congested particularly on peak population days. • Inadequate facilities for luggage storage and changing of clothes for men & women. • Reject waste consisting of discarded cloth and waste is burnt 2-3 times a day. Discarded chappals also remains an issue.

Pilgrims seek the cleanest water source and leave behind wet clothes, primary source of cloth waste

Reject waste burnt everyday at the ghats. This includes plastic, discarded clothes and other packaging waste.

River area is extensively used for washing and drying of clothes. Lack of drying space means, all vertical surfaces are used for hanging clothes on them.

The well shaded square acts like an optimal public space which is used for resting and loitering

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REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

3// MARKET COMPLEX & STREETS (SHOPS AND VENDORS) The streets are lined with shops that sell souvenirs, clothes and other items of daily use. There are also several restaurants that serve the pilgrims. The peak times for customers is morning and night when pilgrims are waiting or have completed their darshan and have accepted the annaprasadam. The waste is picked up 2-3 times a day by the gram panchayat and is segregated at dedicated facilities outside of the town.

Key Issues: â&#x20AC;˘ The main issue is with reject dry waste, particularly Styrofoam cups and plates. The issue is exaggerated during festivals where pilgrims often carry their plates as part of managed troupes. The plates are discarded on the spot after usage. â&#x20AC;˘ This is also accompanied with significant plastic/packaging waste that has no recyclable potential here.

Shops in Dharmasthala. They sell souvenirs and items for daily purchase

Use of Styrofoam cups and plates is a issue, as this waste material can only be burnt or landfilled. Upon burning it releases toxic fumes. Wet waste is picked up routinely and used for composting Figure 7 : Key plan showing location of shops & vendors

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Integrated Energy Centre, set up by Selco Foundation

Dharmasthala on the eve of Mahashivratri

Impromptu shops, near the guesthouses

Villagers from around Dharmasthala, come to set up shop during Mahashivratri

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

4// BUS STAND/ PARKING AREA There are a total of 3 bus stations that serve the town. 2 of the stations are at the entrance of the town, one inside the entrance and the other outside, while the third one is about 500m from the main entrance. The bus stop in the town has ample facilities for seating, drinking water, toilets, shading but the outside bus stations are limited in this regard. The transport zone at the entrance of Dharmasthala also has a dedicated area for parking of private vehicles. While other major parking facilities are provided south of the town near the Sri Mudi Bhavan.

Key Issues: â&#x20AC;˘ The bus stations lack adequate shaded spaces for seating. â&#x20AC;˘ There is a lack of signage that provides information with regard to transit timings and areas around Dharmasthala. Though this is not a severe problem as frequent travellers know about transit options and bus frequency to most destinations is fairly high.

Bus stop on the left side, while the private parking spans the right

1 2

2 Bus Stations at the entrance

Shaded parking lot

Shaded parking lot near the Sri Mudi Bhavan

Figure 8 : Key plan showing location of bus stand & parking

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REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

5// DHARMASTHALA PARK Located adjacent to the temple, the park makes for a very lively, shaded public space that is widely used by all types of pilgrims for resting and loitering while they wait for their clothes to dry or the arrival of transportation back to their native places.

Key Issues: â&#x20AC;˘ Inadequate seating spaces in the park â&#x20AC;˘ Given the dominant use of the park for drying clothes, there is no infrastructure to facilitate it.

Park

Figure 9 : Key plan showing location of the Park

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CONCLUSION: POTENTIAL AREAS FOR INTERVENTION From the case studies of comparable temple towns and the observations during the recce conducted, the following have been concluded as possible areas of intervention.

WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT AT RIVER NETHRAVATHI Many efforts have been undertaken by the river management authorities to provide the required infrastructure and facilities along the river to enhance the experience of the pilgrims. Some of them are toilets, changing rooms, dust bins, etc which are being actively used by the pilgrims. However, in spite of the efforts, there were some gaps with respect to the provisions at the river, the expectations, needs and behaviour of the pilgrims. The issues that were observed can be seen as entry points for further interventions. • Poor quality of the river water due to use of soaps, detergents & waste dumping • Lack of management of the reject waste at the ghats resulting in burning of piles of cloth waste • Spatial re-organization of the ghats required to separate circulation and resting with activities zones as well as creating more room for changing kiosks. • Need for infrastructure to support activities like bathing, changing, teeth brushing, clothes washing & drying near the ghat • Need for education and behaviour change of the pilgrims to use the river responsibly

NEED FOR PUBLIC SPACE IMPROVEMENT (IN-BETWEEN TIME & SPACES) There is a lot of time spent in lingering or waiting between activities in Dharmasthala. Given the high temperatures, particularly at mid-day, seeking out shaded seating or resting areas is a common pursuit. While the Dharmasthala Park and the vehicle parking near the museum offer shaded areas, there is a lack of similar environments in other parts of Dharmasthala. Places near the bus stop at the gate, guest houses and other vendor lined streets warrant similar treatment. In addition there is also a need for complementary facilities that can be improved to cater to the diverse set of pilgrims.

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

WAY-FINDING IN DHARMASTHALA The key programs in Dharmasthala include the Nethravathi River, Temple, Shri Mudi Bhavan, Annapoorna Hall, etc. which are typical destinations in the journey of a pilgrim. While there are many pilgrims that do this pilgrimage every year, there are plenty of first timers, who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know their way around the places, timings for buses, activities etc. In order to navigate between places, there is a need for guidance in the form of directions, maps, timings, etc. This kind of information could ease the movement of pilgrims within Dharmasthala and enhance the experience of their pilgrimage. Perhaps it may also ease congestion at peak times and reduce any unnecessary waiting around.

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT Though there is no waste segregation in the garbage bins in the public spaces in Dharmasthala, the temple authorities and the gram panchayat are managing the waste in their respective waste processing plants. This management however is limited to the high value waste like organic waste, recyclable waste etc. Where as the reject waste and leaf litter has still not found a place in the system and hence is burnt in various parts of the town. As a result, there is scope for examining and proposing new supply chains for this waste. In addition, there are possibilities to look at reduction of waste through alternate approaches of consuming environmentally friendly products. For example, the temple has installed 5 drinking water filters in the town, which will reduce plastic bottled water consumption and hence less plastic waste. This approach could be examined for other products and materials as well.

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AREA LEVEL INTERVENTION

Enhancing cleanliness, hygiene and safety Solid waste management Waterfront development Public space improvement

Rest | Relax | Reflect Increasing shaded space spaces for seating, resting, phone charging stations

Public Space Improvement

ENTRANCE

Car Park/ Bus Stop

Shri Mudi Bhavan

River River Nethravathi Nethravathi

Shri Manjunatha Swamy Temple

Annapoorna Dining Hall

Car Park/ Bus Stop

EXIT

Zero WASTE / Plastic free zone Clothes waste Vendor waste Waste from consumables

SIGNAGE System Improving logistics, storytelling and Information for navigation - For places and activities in Dharmasthala and around

TOWN LEVEL INTERVENTION Figure 10: Summary of potential interventions REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN OTHER TEMPLE TOWNS Many temple towns tend to behave as gateways to spiritual practice and preach a certain practice of life in line with their respective religious beliefs. The shared values are often translated into the physical and natural environment and its management. Some of the values include the deep care for the environment and cleanliness of the surroundings such as already evident in Dharmasthala. Therefore, studying temple towns to understand the different measures adopted is crucial in the search for what is or could be feasible in the context of Dharmasthala. The study has been summarized in the table below which categorizes temple towns on the basis of size, population and green measures taken towards promoting sustainability. The green measures are further understood on the basis of sectors or cycles such as food, waste, energy, afforestation, water and sanitation. This study provides the tool to assess where Dharmasthala stands in its efforts and what is the future potential.

Sno. Name of temple

Green Measures SANITATION

Tirumala Temple, Tirupathi

Golden Temple, Amritsar

AFFORESTATION

Solar cook

Saves arou 50% financ

Afforestation drives

Eco-Trans

3.5 Million trees planted in the district since 2007, 1 Million trees planted in military cantonments including more than 250 indigenous tree varieties, So far distributed 20 Million saplings to pilgrims as a blessing.

Free eco-c Shuttle ser

Solar Wate

Installed s

Sripuram Temple, Vellore

Solar Wate

Solar heate external so

Tirupati Temple: Solar cooking

Golden Temple: Free Eco-carts from parking to the temple

Rishikesh: Diwali clean up of banks and ghats of Ganga

Muni Seva Ashram, Vadodra

Saibaba Ashram, Shirdi

Kumbh mela, Varanasi

Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai

Sri Manjunatha Temple, Dharmasthala

Afforestation drive: 120 acre

Solar Wate

Green Campus at Vankuva is a 120-acre farm, a third of which has timber plantations, a third is fruit orchards, and and rest is available to grow food and fodder.

Solar flat p hospitals. c

Solar cook

System ge 1.3 crore. t Eco Friendly Toilets Toilet's output effluent is clear, virtually pathogen-free, and can be used as an excellent fertlizer, rather than being discharged into rivers and other life-giving watersheds, nearly maintainance-free. Forest : 164 acres 164 acres of forest to plant trees, public to plant a tree and the same is maintained on the temple land

Bio gas pr

With the he

07, 1 cluding

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Green Measures FOOD

ENERGY

Name of temple WASTE

WATER

Solar cooking 100%

Tirumala Temple, Tirupathi

Saves around 1,18,000 litres of diesel per year, valued at Rs 23,00,000, Total cost of the solar cooking system Rs. 110 million, 50% financial support, 50% by the TTD trust Solar power: administrative building 100%

Water recycling station : 80%

Usually the average monthly power consumption of the administrative building complex is 1.2 lakh units whereas newly installed power plant will generate approximately 1.5 lakh units annually. Saves approximately 100 tonnes of carbon emission every year, and the life span of the plant is 25 years.

Water recycling station that purifies all waste water which is then reused in the temple city’s gardens.

Windmills 1 crore extra units of energy could be produced saving Rs 3.9 crore annually Eco-Transport

Plastic Free Drinking Water

Free eco-carts from parking to temple, eco-rickshaws, Shuttle service to railway station.

150,000 to 300,000 litres of water & safe drinking water served in steel bowls, steel plates.

Solar Water Heaters for cooking

Eco-friendly cleaning

Golden Temple, Amritsar

blessing.

a third of hards, and

Installed solar water heaters on the roof of the Langar Hall to promote use of Green Energy Total Capacity - 2000 Litres

Washing dishes with wood ash by volunteers

Biogas plant

Sripuram Temple, Vellore

About 3 tonnes of cow dung aids in the generation of 50 kgs of fuel which in turn is used for cooking. Also, the bio-gas generated from a mixture of cow dung and waste food is used at temple’s accommodations, hospital and community kitchens. Solar Water Heaters for cooking : 80%

Zero Waste Management

Solar heaters generate hot water which is also used in the kitchens, thereby reducing the need for procurement of fuel from external sources by 80 percent

Generated 33.8 tonnes of compost (worth Rs. 52,280) and earned Rs. 22,400 through sale of recyclables.

Solar Water Heaters for cooking

Muni Seva Ashram, Vadodra

Solar flat plate collectors are used to heat 31,000 liters of water that is used everyday at the Ashram’s kitchens, guest houses, and hospitals. cooking using 2 Scheffler dishes of 10 sq.m each Solar powered lighting & ventilaiton A 13KW solar power plant was installed to meet the lighting and ventilation demands of the schools and hostels. Most of the street lights at the Ashram are automatic, selfcontained solar photovoltaic systems Biogas plant 430 cu.m biogas plant, fuelled by cow dung, press mud from sugar mills, chicken litter, and kitchen waste, produces the gas that is enriched by scrubbing and is bottled under pressure. This compressed natural gas, or Bio-CNG, fulfills the needs of the Ashram’s main kitchen Solar cooking

Saibaba Ashram, Shirdi

System generates 3,500 kg of steam daily and saves nearly 100,000 kg of cooking gas annually, Rs 20,00,000 per year, Cost Rs. 1.3 crore. the central government’s. Non-Renewable Energy Ministry provided Rs. 58 lakh as subsidy

Kumbh mela, Varanasi

Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai

t a tree Bio gas production

Solid waste management

Waste water plant for treatment

With the help of starch water and the gobar, biogas is produced which is used for cooking in kitchens

Organic waste from kitchen composted, coconut used for coconut oil, waste clothes recycled

An 18” pipeline takes 17,00,000 liters of water to the treatment plant from where 12,00,000 liters is sent to the farms and 4,000 liters to the plantation.

Sri Manjunatha Temple, Dharmasthala

Figure 11: Case studies of Temple towns

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

selection of the area Potential areas for Intervention

FEASIBILITY AND IMPACT The possible interventions proposed have been assessed on the basis of feasibility and impact. The impact analysis has been done from the perspective of improving the experience of pilgrims, ecology of the area or easing management of the space. The following assessment can be seen in the table below.

NEED

FEASIBILITY

IMPACT

Impact on Ecology

Management Pilgrim exp.

Waterfront development at River Nethravathi Public space improvement

Way-finding in Dharmasthala

Solid waste management Figure 12: Criteria for Area selection

High Moderate Low

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STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION During the stakeholder consultation with Mr. Harshendra Kumar Heggade & Mr. Veerendra Heggade, the possible areas for investigation for a collaborative project was discussed. The points that were concluded from the meeting were the following.

• Targeting one geography

The need to identify one area for the intervention was expressed. Therefore, the preferred project chosen would have to be limited to a geography rather than a system for the town.

• Comprehensive development for the master plan

The management is looking at developing a comprehensive plan for Dharmasthala. Therefore the area selected would have to contribute to this larger goal.

• Cleanliness as a focus

There has been an emphasis on keeping the surroundings clean and this reflects on the temple complex as well as other parts of the town. Though there have been initiatives to keep the river and the ghats clean, in terms of the staff frequently cleaning public spaces and the formal system of waste management, the challenges of the river ghats being kept clean remains an issue.

SNAAN GHAT selected as Project Site From the field analysis and stakeholder discussions, it was concluded that the Snaan ghat along the River Nethravathi would be the focus of further study and project proposition. The intervention would aim to respond to the challenges of the river ecology due to pollution from use of soap, challenges of behaviour with regard to throwing of waste etc. and enhancing usability of the public space by pilgrims.

• There is a on-going search for solutions for waterfront development at Nethravathi It was discussed that SKDRDP is in search for approaches and solutions for the waterfront of the River Nethravathi. Therefore an investigation to understand how such a project could be undertaken and what the possible solutions could be is in line with present need of the hour.

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

area profile: snaan ghat

River Nethravathi originates at the Bangarabalige valley of Yalnir Ghat in Kudremukh of Chikmagalur District and merges with river Kumardhara before flowing into the Arabian Sea. The river bed of the Nethravathi is naturally rocky all along the western ghats. It is believed to be a holy river of Dakshina Kannada of Karnataka flowing through the renowned pilgrimage place Sri Kshethra Dharmasthala. This religious significance is the reason pilgrims who visit Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala, take a holy dip in the river before visiting the Shri Manjunatha Swamy temple.

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CONTEXT OF THE GHAT

• • • • • •

Eco-system of the Ghat

Ecological Landscape

Flows and Activities Usage patterns Management systems in place

Experience of pilgrims

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

ECOSYSTEM OF THE GHAT Program

Area (in sqm)

Dimension (in m)

Plaza (including deck)

3000

75 x 30

Parking

3200

95 x 30

Barren land

3200

50 x 60

Ghat

2750

190 x 15

Active river area

3000

175 x 30

Barrage

1000

10 x 70

Bund

1500

120 x 10

Luggage room

5x7

Toilets

150

(60 units)

Taxi/auto stand

750

70 x 10

Water supplied to the town for drinking purpose

BARRAGE

Bog

RIVER NETRAVATI

DECK

Bund

180 m 13 changing rooms at ghat

GHAT ENTRY/ EXIT

Arch gateway

Toilets Luggage Room Barren Land

Cafe

PLAZA

Fence

Drinking water facility

PARKING

60 m ENTRY / EXIT

Toilets

Bus Stop Auto/Taxi Stand

o Way t ala asth Dharm

ENTRY

ala Road

Ujire-Dharmasth

Figure 13 : Snaan ghat at River Nethravathi

Shops

N 0

100m

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ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPE OF THE GHAT Previous barrage

BARRAGE

to the ne xt

350

ba rra ge

4.5km

1.5 km

RIVER NETRAVATI

Towards Dharmasthala

BARRAGE

GHAT

Figure 14: Extents of Netravati River Ghat

The snan ghat can be looked at as a whole of parts, consisting of the Parking, Plaza, Deck, Ghat & the River. The ghat is about 2 kms from the Dharmasthala town. To cover this distance, pilgrims either use the share autos & taxis or their private vehicles. The ghat area has many amenities such as changing rooms, luggage room, toilets, drinking water facility and coffee kiosks among others.

Towards Dharmasthala

Figure 15 : Multiple barrages at intervals

Beyond the 180 m, the snan ghat is part of a much larger eco-system than it seems. The total length of the river Nethravati is 103 kms and at the Snan ghat, the total width is about 350 meters. This illusion can be attributed to the low water levels during the dry season revealing parts of the river bed & the construction of the artificial bund, which informally defines the extent of the river.

The landscape of the river Nethravati is interspersed with barrages along the length of the river, the closest barrage is 1.5 kms after the snaan ghat. There have been many interventions at the river and there is a need for regulation of the speed and quantity of water flowing in the river. For this reason, the understanding of the snan ghat cannot be in isolation but has to be examined as a part of the whole.

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

length of the ghat = 180m

sensinglocal | SELCO foundation

width of the river at this point= 350 m

Water sourced for use in Dharmasthala (30,00,000L Daily)

Water used by pilgrims to take a dip and bathe in

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

FLOWS AND ACTIVITIES MOVEMENT PATTERN PEAK OCCUPATION OF GHAT (1100 pax)

BARRAGE Bathing / Dipping

Bog

Bathing / Dipping

Bund

ng shi a W

Changing

PARKING Luggage storage

PLAZA Drop-off

Brushing

GHAT

Waste burning

Figure 16 : Mapping activities at the ghat

DECK

Drying

Toilet Brushing Bus stop Travel to temple

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USAGE PATTERN

TOILET BLOCK Car/Van: 50-75

FACILITIES ACTIVITIES

Auto/taxi: 15-20

Area: 25sq.m

10 wash basins (men & women)

PARKING

LUGGAGE STORAGE

BRUSHING

Luggage room largely caters to only solo travellers

30 Units (men & women)

TOILET

Many pilgrims use the washroom in the toilet blocks, several people are seen brushing in the river.

180m Ghat

DIPPING

13 Temporary Changing Rooms

BATHING

CHANGING

WASHING

DRYING

Changing rooms sufficient to only serve women. Men change in the open

Overnight travellers without a room often bathe & wash their clothes in the river, as it is their first landing site.

Pilgrims either dry their clothes in the ghat or take it to dry in the town, while they wait for their darshan

Figure 17 : Flowchart of the usage pattern

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN PLACE Number of pilgrims at the ghat any moment Regular day: Festival:

100 - 400 600 - 1,200

* Data collected through observations and interviews with management staff at the ghat

WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN PLACE

REGULAR DAY

FESTIVAL

a) River Management staff

25 - 30

b) Infrastructure Dust bins and signage distributed in river ghat and plaza c) Vigilance Checking at gate and announcement to regulate waste dumping

All day

d) Frequency of cleaning Cleaning of ghat

once in 3 hours

Cleaning of river

Once a year during low levels

Frequently

e) Weekly waste pickup Coconuts (sat/sun/mon)

8 bags / day

Coconuts (other days)

4 bags / day

Cloth waste disposed

4 - 5 bundles / day

5 - 6 bundles / day

Cloth taken for recycling

3 - 5 bundles / day

9 - 10 bundles / day

Cloth/plastic burning

2 - 3 bundles / day

5 - 6 bundles / day

Slippers

1 truck / few weeks

1 truck / day

TRANSPORT SERVICES

REGULAR DAY

FESTIVAL

Private autos

15 - 20

25 - 30 / hr

Share taxis

10 - 15

5 - 10 / hr

Figure 18 : Table showing management systems in place

12 bags / day

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REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

EXPERIENCE OF PILGRIMS Total pilgrims interviewed: 11 Originating from - Chanraypatna, Moodigere, village 5 kms from Hassan, Bangalore, Bangalore, Hassan, Chanrayapatna, Kaduru, Hassan, Mandya, Hubli

Interviewee type 1

Interviewee type 2

Point of origin

Chanraypatna

A village 5 kms from Hassan

Mode of transport

Bus or private vehicle

On foot

Reason for visit to the river

For a dip

Staying in Dharmasthala?

Freshen up

River

Bathing

At the guest house

Wash and drying of clothes

Not a need

In river and dry in the room

Drinking water needs

Carry personal water cans

The Padayatre management provides

Travel between temple and river

Bus or private vehicle

On foot

Experience of the river?

River is dirty but we should follow our rituals

River is very dirty

Quality of toilet facilities?

facilities are good and clean

Duration of stay in Dharmasthala

1 day for Shivratri, 2 days during other days

1 day for Shivratri, 2-3 days during other days

ACTIVITIES AT GHAT

River is used as landing site for many pilgrims to freshen up even if they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bathe.

QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE

Figure 19 : Table showing typical pilgrim interviews conducted

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Interviewee type 3

Interviewee type 4

Interviewee type 5

Bangalore

Hassan

Mandya

Public transport

Car

Walking, with 5 friends

Do not visit

Bath

Yes

River

Not a need

River

Washes at the river, dries his clothes near the temple.

Carry personal water cans

Water cooler

Public transport

Car

Walk

No idea

Good

facilities are good and clean

1 day for Shivratri, 2-3 days during other days

1 day for Shivratri, 2 days during other days

5/11 pilgrims washed their clothes in the river All pilgrims commented about toilets being very good and clean 6/11 pilgrims interviewed felt the river was be very dirty, but pilgrims feel they need to follow rituals. Pilgrims during festivals only come for 1 day, while other times of the year, pilgrims tend to stay for 2 -3 days. REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

analysis: issue capturing, goals & actions

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CHALLENGES AT THE GHAT

Factors of Influence

CONGESTION & EASE OF USAGE

Role of management authorities

HYGIENE, POLLUTION & CONTAMINATION

Influence of design of the ghat

SAFE ACCESS TO WATER

Needs of pilgrims & Usage patterns

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

ISSUE #1 \\ CONGESTION AND EASE OF USAGE IMBALANCED OCCUPATION OF GHAT - Congestion in

encroachment

some areas and Encroachment & Redundancy in other areas. [Effective area of designed ghat used is only two/third of overall length]

of barrage and river bed to access cleaner water

INADEQUATE CAPACITY TO SERVE NEEDS OF PILGRIMS - Mainly during peak usage during festivals [Peak population can be upto X6 times regular usage]

Clean water

Polluted water Bund

USER PATTERN Access to clean water for dipping, and empty space for luggage storing, waiting, changing is a key driver for how the ghat is utilized by pilgrims.

1/3 2/3 Entrance

Luggage room

PLAZA

of pilgrims for dipping and bathing (Concentration of 30 Toilets changing rooms in this area)

redundancy of ghat space (water most polluted and static here)

high congestion

Figure 20 : Plan showing congestion and encroachment

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GHAT OCCUPATION & DISTRIBUTION OF AMENITIES The distribution of facilities and their accessibility influences the occupation of the ghat substantially. The area closer to the entrance with changing rooms is densely populated, whereas the area that is farthest from the entrance & changing rooms is scarce.

[At Peak]

20% Occupants

The occupation of ghat is also effected by the access to clean and high speed water. As a result of this, the ghat area closer to the barrage gets densely occupied first causing congestion. Due to the lack of room on the ghat, there is encroachment of the barrage and bund.

BARRAGE

CLEAN water

Bog POLLUTED water

[At Peak] 80%

Waste dumping

Entrance Kiosks

Occupants

Changing Rooms

Luggage storing space

PARKING

GHAT

75m PLAZA

Refreshments

Toilets

BARREN LAND

Peak: 1100 pilgrims Non-peak: 200 pilgrms

Congested entrance Figure 21 : Plan showing congestion at entrance

180m

Bund

120m

Archway

Vantage point

Figure 22 : Plan showing ghat occupation & distribution of amenities at the ghat

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

INFLUENCE OF GHAT DESIGN

low usage

high usage

USAGE

WATER QUALITY

WATER SPEED

CHANGING ROOMS

RATING LOW HIGH

high usage

KEY PLAN

USAGE WATER QUALITY WATER SPEED Figure 23 : Plan showing fragments of the ghat

CHANGING ROOMS

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discontinuous circulation

GHAT

PLAZA

conflict at entrance

Figure 24 : Plan showing irregular movement at the ghat

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

CAUSALITY ROLE OF MANAGEMENT • No active regulatory system

INFLUENCE OF GHAT DESIGN Encroachment

Congestion

Insufficient room in the ghat to accommodate peak usage during festivals. 2 Fragmented design of ghat steps and absence of continuous circulation spines. 3 Unequal distribution of amenities and insufficient capacity to cope during peak population. 4 Single entrance to a 180m wide ghat. 1

CONCLUSION Design has a dominant role to play in directing flows and usage of the ghat, while the role of managment at best is one of facilitation.

Redundancy

EXISTING FACILITIES / MEASURES • Bund has been created to narrow the profile of the river to enhance water supply and speed to a greater extent at the ghat

• 13 Changing rooms: Serving 200 -1100 pilgrims • 1 Drinking water spout: At Plaza level • 30 Toilets: Located outside ghat complex

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GOALS Increasing ghat space and capacity of amenities, to cater to peak usage

ACTIONS

Improving ease of circulation and use of ghat

EXTENSION OF THE GHAT

Making the entire ghat usable, rejuvenating redundant spaces

Creating new ghat space in proximity to cleanest and highest water level through the year

Ghat

G Ghat 2

Figure 25 : Plan showing potential action steps for issue#1

RETROFITTING GHAT

New circulation spine at entrance of ghat, extended into the plaza. Changing rooms accommodated in the steps relieving existing circulation way at the water edge (++ in no.)

Existing circulation spine at ghat edge extended into the river, converted into a plaza

Elongated ghat by pushing into the plaza

Elongated ghat extending into the river REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

CASE STUDIES New ghat constructed into the river bed

New circulation spine at entrance of ghat, extended into the plaza. Changing rooms accommodated in the steps relieving existing circulation way at the water edge (++ in no.)

Ram ghat, Nashik, Maharashtra

Alandi, Maharastra

Figure 26 : Circulation at Alandi, Pune

continuous circulation

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Existing circulation spine at ghat edge extended into the river, converted into a plaza

Menawali, Maharashtra

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

ISSUE #2 \\ HYGIENE, POLLUTION & CONTAMINATION HEALTH RISK DUE TO EXPOSURE TO POOR QUALITY OF WATER & AIR - Risk due to poor water quality is both for bathers and those that brush their teeth at the river. During peak usage, upto 3 piles of clothes can be seen burning at the bund through the day exposing pilgrims to toxic air.

BARRAGE

Floating barrier to collect waste

CLEANER Upstream

Polluted water

- Threat to biological life

Unoccupied due to poor water quality

Bund

Densely occupied due to clean water access

Washing & bathing

USER PATTERN

Grill

Bog

WATER POLLUTION

A minority of pilgrims bathe with soap, wash clothes or leave dirty clothes in the river that pollutes the water. Most prevelant in over night/early morning travellers that need to freshen up and may not have rooms at the town as well. River is their first landing point

River Nethravathi

Waste burning

GHATS

Waste dumping & segregating area

Fence & railings as drying surfaces

PLAZA

LEGEND Occupation Bathing/ washing area Clothes dumping Clothes burning Clothes drying

Shops

Figure 27 : Plan showing water pollution & waste burning

sensinglocal | SELCO foundation

// USER PATTERNS | Influence of Ghat Design in affecting behavior

[No dedicated bathing The bathing (use of soap/shampoo) and washing facilities] and washing of clothes in the river is a major source of water pollution.

PARKING

LUGGAGE STORAGE

B&F

TOILET

DIPPING

BATHING

CHANGING

WASHING

DRYING ON SITE

Drying clothes in the ghat

CAR VAN

Drying in the temple area Dumping clothes in the ghat

BUS AUTO/TAXI

Drying in their rooms Figure 28 : Activity pattern of pilgrims at the ghat

Clothes are often dumped at the ghat and the bund at places from where collection is difficult. Piles of such clothing are burnt causing air pollution.

[Inadequate coverage for collection of all waste]

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

// VIGILANCE AND MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS | Influence of Ghat Design The river management authorities have banned the sale of soaps & shampoos at the river ghat to avoid itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s use at the ghat. But this ban has not been of very effective in reducing the water pollution in the river.

Disjointed steps hinders maintenance

There is constant vigilance at the ghat from the luggage room and entrance, where there is a clear view of the entirety of the ghat. Moreover, there are dustbins located at every 15m of the ghat. But these measures have not been effective in influencing behavior regarding more careful waste disposal.

Public announcements made every minute

POLLUTED Upstream

Abundant dustbins Supervision from entrance & luggage room Figure 29 : Supervision at the ghat

// MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF WASTE There is no system in place to dispose low value waste which includes plastics and discarded clothes. Hence, the management ends up burning the reject waste at the ghat causing air pollution. The lack of facilities for washing & bathing leads to the use of soaps & detergents in the river Netravati, and also results in wet clothes being dumped into the river and at the ghat.

DIPPING AND CHANGING

RITUALISTIC PRACTICES

FOOD AND REFRESHMENTS

BATHING AND WASHING

Dicarded wet clothes Year old coconuts

High Value cloth Low Value cloth

COLLECTED FOR DISPOSAL

Footwear Plastic bottles, packaging and glasses

Detergents & Soaps

Water Bottles Others Plastic Packaging Contaminants

COLLECTED FOR RECYCLING/UP-CYCLING

BURNT AT THE GHAT

ADDING TO RIVER POLLUTION

Figure 30 : Mangament of waste streams

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Waste at the ghat is cleaned & collected for segregation & recycling.

All the waste at the bund, which is inaccessible, gets piled and burnt.

Due to continuous dumping, the water gets polluted .

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

CAUSALITY ROLE OF MANAGEMENT High vigilance insufficient in implementing a soap and shampoo ban 2 Placement of dustbins and signage ineffective in influencing behavior of careless disposal of waste 3 Waste is not picked up from the bund, instead it is burnt in piles everyday. While waste in water remains there accumulating over time due to lack of regular deep cleaning of river bed. 4 No system of management of reject waste 1

Water pollution

Air pollution

INFLUENCE OF GHAT DESIGN 5

Lack of facilities for bathing and washing of clothes 6 Poor continuity and accessibility of parts of the ghat for cleaning and maintenance

Waste dumping & burning

EXISTING FACILITIES / MEASURES • Shops have been given notifications to disallow •

sale of soaps and shampoos by the panchayat. One management personnel ensures no one is carrying or using soaps, shampoos or detergents.

• Plentiful dustins, uniformly distributed around the ghat, with exception of the barrage and bund.

• There is a vendor that only collects discarded high end clothes waste, coconuts and plastic bottles, fetching 51,000 in returns for the authorities in return.

CONCLUSION Management interventions are likely to be limited to shifting this waste to another area for burning or dumping, Therefore it is far more ecological sustainable to focus on waste minimization or even in-situ processing. Waste minimization will require rigorous IEC campaigns to influence behavior change in a multi-year format along with provision of additional facilties - for bathing, washing and drying to avoid usage of soap and detergent in the river and minimise discarding of used wet clothes.

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ACTIONS

GOALS 4

Incentivize shifting of pollution causing activities away from the river

MINIMIZATION OF WASTE PRODUCTION AT SOURCE

IMPROVING WASTE/POLLUTION MANAGEMENT

- Regulating materials taken to the ghat - Use of sustainable alternatives to materials causing waste/pollution

Minimization of production of pollution at source Stop burning of waste or dumping of it in the river

Manned high vigilance entrance

Unit for segregation and processing cloth and plastic waste

Sale of soap nut as a natural detergent/ soap

Deep

Changing stalls + Garbage bins Figure 31 : Plan showing potential action steps for issue#2

Dedicated Bathing & Washing space

clean

ing

Making informal ghat area (bund) accessible for garbage collection. Conducting routine deep cleaning of the river REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

CASE STUDIES CHANGING ROOMS

CLEAN HANDS-HEALTHY WASHING

PLASTIC FREE

‘Safaigiri drive’ at the Nasik Kumbh Mela, where it has installed special changing rooms for pilgrims on the ghats of the Godavari river, and has also used sensor-activated musical messages about cleanliness.

Dettol partnered with Nashik Kumbh for a unique initiative - ‘Kam Paani Mein Zyada Suraksha’ to save 33 lakh litres of water for 2 million residents of Nashik. In addition to this, several units of mobile bio-digester toilets were installed to provide an efficient and friendly solution from open defecation. Radio channels were extensively being used to reiterate the importance of hygiene through jingles which have been successful in building healthy hand-washing habits.

To keep the ecologically sensitive surroundings of Sabarimala hill shrine plastic-free, the Kerala government will set up check posts at main entry points to stop devotees carrying plastic articles while trekking the Ayyappa temple

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DIRECTION TO FACILITIES

INFORMATION ON USING OF SPACE

RIVER CLEANING MECHANISMS

Precinct maps showing the various locations and amenities in the area allowing easy access to the place

Information boards listing the do’s and dont’s in the area, instructing pilgrims about the usage and rules to be followed

Trash skimmers used to remove dirt and floating debris from the river

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

ISSUE #3 \\ SAFE ACCESS TO WATER â&#x20AC;&#x153;23 year old, resident of Bengaluru drowned after slipping in Nethravathi ghat in Dharmasthala.

THREAT TO LIFE During high water levels due to unsafe conditions to access the ghat

REDUCED SAFE ACCESS limiting potential usage by pilgrims

LOW LEVEL

USER PATTERN While there are some regular visitors to the temple. Many pilgirms tend to travel to Dharamsthala once or twice a year. Allowing accessibility to the river particularly during monsoon and post monsoon times is bound to increase danger levels due to uncertainty of water levels and the speed of flow and limited capacity of authorities to regulate it. This is accentuated by the adjacency of the barrage, a source point of water.

It is learnt he along with his relative Kumar had come on a pilgrimage. While they were bathing in the river, Bharat allegedly lost his balance and slipped into the swollen Nethravathi river.â&#x20AC;? - BFirst Network, 26 Sept, 2016

MODERATE LEVEL

HIGH LEVEL

Figure 32 : Plan showing ghat at different water levels

sensinglocal | SELCO foundation

// CHANGING ACCESS TO WATER DUE TO SEASONAL VARIATION IN WATER LEVELS 600-1000

1000-1500

pilgrims

highest

Inadequate safe access to the water

high

Variations in the water levels also coincide with change in volumes of pilgrims coming to visit Dharamsthala. Most times, during high water, number of pilgrims is lower and visa versa.

med

100-200 pilgrims

levels

low

major festival

20-50 pilgrims

number of pilgrims level of water

jan

feb

mar

apr

may

MAHASHIVRATHRI

jun

jul

aug

sep

oct

nov

dec

LAKSHADWEEPA

Figure 33 : Graph showing seasonal fluctuation of water

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

// INFLUENCE OF GHAT DESIGN

Fence

The design of the ghat does not facilitate adequate access to the water during high water levels. Moreover, the railings which are supposed to behave as a protective measure, get submerged during monsoon, not fulfilling itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purpose.

Submergence of changing room during high water Railings insufficient for protection

FLOOD LVL Arch

MONSOON LVL DRY SEASON

Ghat

Plaza

River

Figure 34 : Section showing ghat at different water levels

30 60

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REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

CAUSALITY ROLE OF MANAGEMENT 1

Low water

Role of management is limited as water conditions and pilgrim behavior is out of their control.

Railing is insufficient as a protective measure against the high speed water at edge of the ghat 3 Insufficient clear safe zones to access water due to high water levels during and post monsoon

High water level

â&#x20AC;˘ Announcements to stop pilgrims from climbing the barrage to use the water on the other side â&#x20AC;˘ Vigilance of the river management, increased during peak.

GHAT DESIGN 2

Moderate water level

EXISTING FACILITIES / MEASURES

CONCLUSION Safe access will mean increasing probability for safe usage through the year & enhancing access for potential use of the ghat during high water levels. As a result, there is a need to increase preparedness for management authorities and pilgrims alike - providing clues of how far pilgirms can venture into the water/ghat and putting in place physical protective measures and panoptic view points for enhanced vigilance.

Preventive measures - Controlled singular entrance Protective measures - Railings at water edge

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GOALS Increasing threshold for safe access Put in place more robust measures to prevent accidents

ACTIONS 2

IMPROVING EASY RECOGNITION OF UNSAFE/SAFE ZONES THROUGH DESIGN

INTRODUCING PREVENTIVE AND PROTECTIVE MEASURES TO ENHANCE SAFETY

Active flooding during high water levels to protect users of the ghat.

Completing the fence to the end of the ghat to ensure regulated entrance.

Complete fence (for regulated entrance)

High speed

Slower speed

Slowing the speed of the water at the edge - By extending the ghat into the river

Reference points as visual guides to enhance judgement regarding danger

Reference points

Old slope New slope

Figure 35 : Plan showing potential action steps for issue#3

Viewing decks for better judgement REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

CASE STUDIES RAILINGS

SUBMERGENCE BY DESIGN

SAFETY WALL

The railing act as safety objects guarding people from entering the deeper river zones. It defines the area for dipping and ghat activities while allowing for the natural being of the river

During low water levels, the Menavali ghat is extended over the river as a platform which allows easy access and safer usage. In the monsoon, this platform is designed to get drowned thus making this area inaccessible to faster currents in the water.

The Sabarmati ghat has a protective wall which seperates the ghat usage area and the rest of the river allowing pilgrims to access the water safely

The railing seperation in Haridwar which defines the area of usage in the river

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BUND AS A BUFFER

REFERENCE POINTS

GHAT DESIGN

The krishnaveni ghat provides enough space for pilgrims for rituals while the bund separates the space with the rest of the river allowing for vigilance

A reference object allows for people to judge the edge of the river during high tides and allows for safer usage of the river water

Lateral Movement along ghat is provided by design to ensure better safety during high flow periods.

The dome structures at the river edge in Alandi ghat behave as reference points which allows for safer access to river water

In Menavali, the temple buildings become reference points when their plinths gert flooded REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

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CONCLUSIONS CHALLENGES

GOALS

ISSUE #1 Contamination of the river water Management of the waste produced

Enhancing cleanliness and hygiene

ISSUE #2 Congestion at the river ghat Encroachment of the barrage & bund

Improving ease of usage

ISSUE #3 Reduced safe access to water Threat to life

Increasing the threshold for safe use of the ghat through the year

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

proposal: design, actions & implications The primary objectives of the two options proposed are the following:-

• • • •

Tackling the existing issues at the ghat Easing the management Enhancing the pilgrim experience Maintaining the ecological balance at the river

Though the objectives remain the same, the approach adopted to acheive them in the two options vary. These differences have been derived through an iterative process of overlaying the issue-specific actions laid out in the previous section. As a result, the two options have distinct approaches with comparable benefits but different operational & monitory consequences, which will be clarified in this section.

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APPROACHES

OPTION 1

- Reactivating the existing ghat

The approach adopted revitalises the existing ghat by reorganising all the services that support the effecient usage of the ghat.

OPTION 2

- Creating additional ghat space

The approach involves the development of the ghat in accordance with the current occupation pattern by re-orienting the ghat and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amenities to compliment this behavior.

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

OPTION 1

Reactivating the existing ghat The first option consists of reactivating the entire length of the ghat. This is done through various actions such as streamlining the ghat steps and the circulation, redistribution of amenities and access to the ghat, to ensure equitable access to all parts of the ghat. The proposal includes the removal of the artificial bund on the other side of the ghat, resulting in the access to the river being confined only to one side of the river. The access to the barrage is also restricted for the purpose of safety.

Figure 36 : Diagrammatic form of Option 1

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PROPOSAL | Option 1 | Plan Entry Luggage Room ENTRANCE Soap nut center Waste Collection center Toilets accessed from plaza (10 each) SERVICE Bathing rooms (10 each) BLOCK Washing areas Drying areas Changing rooms Viewing Deck

River Netravati

g Bara

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

DECK 8

DECK 150 m 9

GHAT

Changing rooms

PARKING

SERVICE BLOCK

7 6

Existing Arcade

SERVICE BLOCK

2 4

6 5

Toilets PARKING

PLAZA

Bus Stop

Auto/ Taxi stand Ujjire-Dharmasthala road Figure 37 : Plan of the ghat

Way to Dharmasthala REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

PROPOSAL | Option 1 | Section KEY PLAN

The ghat is extended into the river by 10m to ease the slope of the steps. This is done to provide room for the two main circulation spines running along the ghat which define movement of pilgrims to the water as well as to all parts of the ghat. The extension of the ghat into the river was led by a conscious decision to accommodate the service block. The entry to the ghat and the arcade are integrated to provide a grander sense of arrival into the ghat.

Ghat

The gesture to widen the ghat also allows safe access to water for a longer period through the year. There is also an intermediate spine to accomodate the changing rooms. Since the changing rooms are movable, this spine can be used till the water levels rise to a moderate level. When the water level rises beyond this intermediate spine, the changing rooms are shifted to the above level.

Parking

Plaza

GHAT DURING THE WATER FLUCTUATION

Seemless flow of water during low water levels Figure 38 : Plan showing water fluctuation at the ghat

Partial flooding of the ghat

Parking

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SECTION OF EXISTING GHAT

lvl 1.2 m lvl 0.6m lvl 0.0m

RIVER

t slop

g gha

Existin

PLAZA

GHAT

ROAD

SECTION OF PROPOSED GHAT +

Providing multiple circulation spines

Providing a service block at the ghat

Movable Changing room Luggage room lvl 1.2 m lvl 0.6m lvl 0.0m d Propose

RIVER

ghat slop

Extending the ghat into the river

GHAT

Shifting the entrance

PLAZA

ROAD

Figure 39a (above) : Section of the existing ghat Figure 39b (below) : Section of the proposed ghat

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

PROPOSAL | Actions ISSUE #1 WATER POLLUTION & WASTE BURNING

ISSUE #2 CONGESTION & ENCROACHMENT

ISSUE #3 SAFE ACCESS TO WATER

Dedicated facilities for bathing, washing & drying To address the issue of water pollution primarily caused by soaps, shampoos and detergents used in the river, dedicated bathing, washing and drying facilities to be provided at the ghat to shift the polluting activities away from the river. A larger number of changing rooms to be provided with integrated garbage bins within the structure, to promote responsible disposal of waste.

Streamlining the ghat steps The congestion and encroachment issue is tackled by rejuvenating the entire ghat. This involves streamlining the circulation which defines the hierarchy of movement at the ghat. The larger area of the ghat and dedicated spaces for activities allows for larger numbers of people to use the ghat. The single regulated entry & exit into the ghat also eases the movement.

Smoothening the prolile The smoother profile of the ghat directs the water and maintains a consistent speed of water along the ghat. During the low water period, this is favourable to regulate seamless water flow and speed.

Clustering of facilities along the ghat edge The facilities of bathing, washing, toilets & drying are clustered to form a service block at the edge of the ghat. This service block to also include a waste collection centre at the entrance to collect, store and segregate waste to improve the overall waste management and therefore reduce waste buring at the ghat.

Disconnecting the barrage & the ghat The disconnection of the barrage and the ghat and removal of the bund forbids the encorachment of other parts of the river & restricts movement to the other side of the river.

Making the Ghat slope of gradual The extension of the river into the ghat also slows the water near the ghat edge.This in turn makes the fhat edge safer for use during higher water levels.

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DECK

Disconnecting the barrage & ghat DECK

Clustering of all the facilities along the ghat GHAT Collapsible changing rooms on intermediate spine

Streamlining the ghat steps

Regulating entry & exit to ghat Waste collection point at entrance

PARKING

PLAZA

Dedicated bathing, washing, drying & toilet facilities

Parking

Entry /Exit

Entry Figure 40 : Actions taken at the proposed ghat

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

PROPOSAL | Implications EXISTING

OPTION 1

Ghat Plaza

Parking

Ghat Parking

Plaza

Parking

GHAT Ghat (length)

Reconstructing and extending the ghat into the river to widen it in order to accommodate circulation spines

Trees & river water a concern while construction

Barrage

Disconnecting the ghat from the barrage to disallow encroachment of the barrage

Barrage foundation & barrage accessiblity for maintainance to be considered

PARKING & PLAZA Parking

Construction of parking on the barren land adjacent to the plaza to compensate for the lost parking Designing around the existing trees

SERVICES Bathing and washing

Building a new service block with bathing and washing facilities at the ghat Water supply and drainage to be considered

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- Demolishing the e

g Bara

connection to ghat

Extending the ghat into the river DECK

DECK

Profile

of new

of exis

- Removing the bund ghat

from the river

ting g

hat

GHAT

a nd

Proposed luggage room

Extending the ghat into the barren land

PROPOSED PARKING

PLAZA

Providing a service block at the ghat

u Bo

Existing luggage room

i ex

o op

Extending the ghat into the plaza Existing toilets

PARKING Entry /Exit

> Shifting the lost parking to barren land Entry

> Shifting the luggage

room to the entrance

Figure 41 : Implications of the proposal on the existing ghat

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

OPTION 2

Creating additional ghat space The second option consists of developing the ghat based on the current usage. This is done by formalising the bund and demolishing the redundant areas of the ghat. Since the length is reduced and the centre of the ghat is shifted, the orientation of the ghat is also altered. The amenities are organised in closer proximity to the entry and exit around an entrance plaza. The proposal also includes disconnecting the barrage from the ghat to restrict access as a safety concern.

Figure 42 : Diagrammatic form of Option 2

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PROPOSAL | Option 2 | Plan River Netravati

ENTRANCE PLAZA

Entry Luggage Room Soap nut center Waste Collection center Toilets (30 each) Bathing rooms (15 each) Washing areas (10 each) Drying areas Changing rooms Viewing Deck

g Bara

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

DECK 10

EXTENDED GHAT 9

SERVICE BRIDGE

BRIDGE

7 6 7

GHAT

3 9

Changing rooms

ENTRANCE PLAZA

Existing Arcade 8

PARKING PLAZA

Bus Stop

Ujjire-Dharmasthala road Figure 43 : Plan og the ghat

Way to Dharmasthala REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

PROPOSAL | Option 2 | Section KEY PLAN

The ghat is extended into the plaza by 10m to result in a gradual ghat slope. This provides room for a wider conitnuous spine at the entrnace. The entry to the ghat is aligned with the entrance plaza to improve accessibility to the services like luggage room, waste collection point, washing, bathing, drying and the toilets. The formalised bund is connected by two bridges which is at the level of the intermediate spine. The edge towards the old ghat is stepped while the other edge is articulated to prohibit movement of pilgrims into the river. The service bridge also has a sluice ghat to reguate the water levels.

Ghat Parking

Regulatory gate

Moderate levels

Regulatory gates shut to maintain moderate level in the river

Figure 44 : Plan showing water fluctuation at the ghat

Plaza

Entrance Plaza

Regulatory gate

Regulatory gates open to allow active flooding of the ghat

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SECTION OF EXISTING GHAT

Movable Changing room lvl 1.2 m lvl 0.6m lvl 0.0m

t slop

g gha

Existin

GHAT

RIVER

SECTION OF PROPOSED GHAT +

Movable Changing room

PLAZA

Providing multiple circulation spines

Providing luggage room at entrance

Movable Changing room

Changing room

Luggage room lvl 1.2 m lvl 0.6m lvl 0.0m

d Propose

RIVER

NEW GHAT +

Extending the ghat into the river

ghat slop

PLAZA

GHAT +

Shifting the entrance

Figure 45a (above) : Section of the existing ghat Figure 45b (below) : Section of the proposed ghat

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

PROPOSAL | Option 2 | Actions ISSUE #1 WATER POLLUTION & WASTE BURNING

ISSUE #2 CONGESTION & ENCROACHMENT

ISSUE #3 SAFE ACCESS TO WATER

Formalising the bund The congestion and encroachment issue is tackled by giving way to additional ghat space. This involves streamlining the circulation which defines the hierarchy of movement at the ghat and constructing a ghat on the existing bund. The larger area of the ghat and dedicated spaces for activities allows for larger numbers of people to use the ghat. The single regulated entry & exit into the ghat also eases the movement.

Regulated water at the ghat The service bridge doubles up as a sluice gate, which helps regulate the level of water at the ghat. This way during the summer, the gates can be shut to maintain a larger volume of water where as during monsoon, the gate could open and allow for active flooding of the bund. The opportunity to control water at the ghat could potentially increase the safe access to water and therefore the usablity of the ghat.

Strategically connecting the ghat to all parts The services at the ghat are reorganised according to the new orientation. On the one hand, it leads to an improved access to the existing toilets through a seamless connection, and on the other the former bund is now connected through a bridge making cleaning and maintainance easier.

Organising amenities around the entrance plaza The panoptic view of all the services at the entrance plaza of the ghat, will ease congestion and provide more space for dipping activity at the river.

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g Bara

Dedicated drying area

DECK

Formalising the bund Regulating the water at the ghat

NEW GHAT

Dedicated bathing & washing facilities

Improving acces to the other side DECK GHAT

Waste collection point

Streamlining the ghat

Improving acces to the toilet block ENTRANCE PLAZA

PARKING PLAZA

Toilets

Luggage room Bus Stop

Figure 46 : Actions taken at the proposed ghat

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

PROPOSAL | Option 2 | Implications EXISTING

OPTION 2

Ghat Plaza

Parking

Ghat Parking

Plaza

Entrance Plaza

GHAT Ghat (length)

Building an additional ghat at the bund

Barrage

Disconnecting the ghat from the barrage to disallow encroachment of the barrage

Trees & river water a concern while construction

Barrage foundation & barrage accessiblity for maintainance to be considered

PARKING & PLAZA Plaza

Building the plaza and facilities at existing parking

Parking

Construction of parking on the barren land adjacent to the plaza to compensate for the lost parking

Designing around the existing trees

SERVICES

Bathing and washing

Building a new service block with bathing and washing facilities at the ghat Water supply and drainage to be considered

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g Bara

+ Creating

additional ghat space

DECK

NEW GHAT +

Service entry to ghat

Existing

> Shifting the luggage

room to the entrance

Boundary of existing ghat

PROPOSED PARKING

ENTRANCE PLAZA

Boundary of proposed ghat

Plaza

PLAZA

Providing washing & bathing facilities

bund

GHAT

DECK

> Shifting the entire parking to barren land

Proposed luggage room

Bus Stop

Figure 47 : Implications of the proposal on the existing ghat

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

CONCLUSION | Comparitive analysis

EXISTING

OPTION 1

Ghat Plaza Staff -12

USAGE (area in sq.m) Ghat (length) Plaza Parking WASTE & POLLUTION Waste generation

Cloth waste at the ghat Other waste at the ghat

Waste disposal Waste collection (cleaning) Deep cleaning

Waste management Water pollution

Parking

OPTION 2

Ghat

Ghat Parking

Plaza

Parking

Parking Staff -13

Staff -10

2750 (180m)

4750 (180m)

3750 (100+800m)

3000

2500

4000

3200

4000

3200

High High

Low Low

Poor Difficult Difficult

Efficient Easy

Easy

4 Low

7 Moderate

9 High

~12 (total 19)

~10

~ 13

High

Once/ year Low

SAFETY Accessiblity (months) Safety measures

STAFF AT THE RIVER (peak) *based on approximate estimation 86

Plaza

Entrance Plaza

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WAY FORWARD The next step to move forward towards the redevelopment of the Ghat at river Netravati would be to choose the most favourable option. On deciding the option or a combination of actions, the project could move into the detailed design stage and consequently the calculation of the estimate. Some of these decisions that would guide the decision making process are the following :GHAT 1. How many pilgrims/people should the ghat area be designed for? 2. Is building in the river an option? 3. Is reconstructing the ghat steps to streamline the circulation an option? PLAZA & PARKING 1. How many cars/buses/ vans should the Parking be designed for? 2. Is relocating the Parking to the barren land to create a larger plaza a possibility? SERVICES 1. Can new water suppply and drainage network be constructed to build additional services at the ghat? 2. Can newer technology to regulate and clean the water be done? GENERAL How is the barrage operated? Can it be partially regulated? These questions will clarify the option to be chosen or to develop a unique option based on the requirements of the ghat, which will pave the way forward.

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

reference documents

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REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

PROFILING OF GHATS LOCATION OF GHATS AND THEIR TYPOLOGY

DHARMASTHALA GHAT

Like the snaan ghat at Nethravati, there are several river ghats cross India that are situated near temples of very high significance and so tend to receive thousands of pilgrims each day.

Junagadh, Gujarat Population 100-200

River

170m x 30m Ghat

Single sided ghat Part of ghat extended into the river. Occupation extends beyond the ghat

DAMODAR KUND

Peak vs non-peak population 100-300 | 1000-1200 GHAT TYPOLOGY

The following case studies have been conducted to understand how they compare to the Dharmasthala river ghat with regard to design, facilities and how they address some of the pressing challenges observed here.

Dharmasthala, Karnataka

120 m x 20 m

Bridge Plaza

Double sided ghat With pedestrian bridges

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Menavali, Maharashtra

MENAVALI

Pune region, Maharashtra

ALANDI GHAT

RAMKUND GHAT

Population 20-100

Peak vs non-peak population 300-500 | <100,000

Peak vs non-peak population 500 | <100,000

Nashik, Maharashtra

200m x 50m

hat

350 m x 35 m 150 m x 30 m

River

River Platform

Bridge

g ate edi

Inte

River Bridge

Plaza

Single sided ghat Ghat platform extends into the river

Double sided ghat Pedestrian bridges

Four sided ghat Intermediate ghat in the middle of the river with multiple bridges

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

AMENITIES

PROXIMITY TO URBAN SERVICES

For example: if there are hotels/ dharmashalas in close proximity to the ghat, then changing rooms at the ghat are infrequent.

LOCATION OF THE GHAT

A key observation seems to have been that the setting of the ghat seems to largely determine access, use of the ghat and facilities such as proximity to facilities such as toilets, water taps, luggage rooms and changing rooms at the place.

CASE

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

DHARMASTHALA GHAT

DAMODAR KUND

Dharmasthala, Karnataka

Snaan ghat

Junagadh, Gujarat

River Sonrekh

Junagadh

Dharmasthala

River Nethravati

2kms

Ghat

1.5 kms

Town

RURAL

SUB-URBAN

(Outside the town)

Hotels/ Residences

Temple

Luggage rooms Drinking Water Taps

Hotels/ Residences

Damodar kund

2000 m Toilets Changing rooms Bathrooms

Town

Ghat

(Outside the town)

Snaan ghat

Damodar kund

1500 m Toilets Changing rooms Bathrooms

Luggage rooms Drinking Water Taps

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MENAVALI

Menavali, Maharashtra

ALANDI GHAT

RAMKUND GHAT

Pune region, Maharashtra

Nashik, Maharashtra

River Godavari Ram ghat

Menawali

Alandi

Alandi ghat

Nashik

Menawali ghat River Indrayini

River Krishna

Ghat

Ghat Ghat

Town

Ghat Town

SUB-URBAN

Luggage rooms Drinking Water Taps

(In the city)

(In the town)

Temple

Hotels

Temple

Lodges

50 m

75 m Toilets Changing rooms Bathrooms

Temple

Ram ghat

Alanadi ghat

50 m Toilets Changing rooms Bathrooms

URBAN

(Edge the town)

Temple Hotels/ Menawali ghat Residences

City

Luggage rooms Drinking Water Taps

Toilets Changing rooms Bathrooms

Luggage rooms Drinking Water Taps REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA

SUMMARY OF INTERVIEWS PILGRIMS PAADAYAATRE (It is an organised pilgrimage on foot from various parts of Karnataka to Dharmasthala. The organisations provide food, water and shelter in government schools, farm estates, open grounds along the route) Nine pilgrims, part of the Paadayaatre were interviewed. They were part of a large group of people walking from Bangalore, Hassan, Kaduru, Mandya, Moodigere and Chanraypatna. Most of whom have been visiting Dharmasthala on foot for a couple of years. Some of the pilgrims interviewed had reached Dharmasthala a day before the festival and were leaving either the same day or a day after attending the festivities. They mentioned the following experiences: • They have seen substantial improvements with respect to the facilities and Paadayaatre arrangements over time, but complained that people used the river carelessly.

• Primary concern raised by the pilgrims was the low levels of water which resulted

shampoo’ rule and take the wet clothes and dry them in the open, while rest said they find it easier to wash in the river. Despite the filthy water in the river, some pilgrims said that their belief of having a dip in the river forced them to use the river water. Some, also expressed that they find the experience very spiritual and follow it respectfully.

• One of the pilgrims was staying in the temple area (also the case for many other pilgrims) because of no availability of rooms. In such cases pilgrims use the public bathing and toilet facilities or the guest house toilets to freshen up.

• Pilgrims mentioned that they go to Annapoorna for lunch & dinner and to other nearby restaurants for breakfast. It was also mentioned that they depend on public water cooler facilities for drinking water.

OTHER PILGRIMS Three pilgrim groups in the town area hailing from Bangalore, Hubli and Hassan respectively were interviewed.

in the river water being dirtier. Further, the steep dip in the level of the water this year was due to the low rainfall received in the previous year.

• It was found that with regard to transportation - two of the three groups, had used

• It was noted that three of the nine interviewed pilgrims follow the ‘no soap, no

• While one of the groups used the river for bathing and washing clothes, the other

their private cars for commute, while the third had used public transport.

two had guest houses booked for their stay, which they used to freshen up. All of them planned to attend the festival and return back the next day.

• All of the interviewees also regarded the facilities and arrangements to be well

maintained and highly organised. They visited the Annapoorna for lunch as well as dinner and also used other restaurants. They also mentioned that they depend on public water cooler facilities for drinking water.

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REGULAR SHOP VENDORS (IN THE TOWN) • The permanent shop vendors, mostly from Dharmasthala have a formal set up to sell their goods. One vendor was interviewed at the river area, who is a resident of the town living 2 km away from the ghat area. He opens the shop around 6 am and shuts it down at around 7.30 pm.

• He mentioned that the maximum pilgrim population at the river area is during the festival season (October-may) while otherwise there is a moderate crowd attending the river activities. The crowd is lowest during the rainy season.

• He also mentioned that there has been a ban on shampoo and soap usage and

the policy keeps getting updated every year as per requirement. It was observed that there were people coming in and asking for soaps and shampoos in the shop but the vendor refused to sell them.

One of the clerk from the Gram panchayat office was interviewed to understand the waste collection system in Dharmasthala and the following points were mentioned.

• Waste collection by the Gram Panchayat is limited to the shops and restaurants in the temple area. They are not involved in management of the temple waste and river waste.

• The trip starts around 8 am and ends by 5.30 pm. On a regular day the waste collection van takes around 2-3 trips around the town to collect waste. On a festival day the trips increase to 5-6 times a day.

• There are 6 workers of whom 2 are in the van collecting the waste throughout

the day while 3 are at the segregation point and one person manages the whole process.

WASTE COLLECTOR TEMPORARY SHOP VENDORS (IN THE TOWN) • Three shop vendors, who came from Bangalore, Mysore and Hassan only for the

Jaathre were interviewed. They mentioned that they would stay for 3 days in the temple vicinity till the festivities. They also said that they sleep in their allocated shop area and use the public toilets to freshen up.

• One of the shopkeepers, a watermelon vendor, came in his private tempo carrying

the load of melons. The other two vendors (selling caps and toys) used the public transport to reach Dharmasthala. The fruit vendor mentioned that the waste collecting trucks collect the fruit waste twice a day and they found the system well-organised.

• The shop vendor mentioned that the shop space was rented for 3 days and the

The waste collector interviewed was the driver who takes the van around to collect waste in the town. He mentioned the following facts:

• Waste collection is done in 3 trips per day across the temple area from shops and restaurants.

• The waste is not segregated by the people. • The waste segregation system has 6 major spots where the waste is dumped and the segregation is done on a daily basis. The waste is separated as plastic wastes and other organic/paper waste.

• The organic waste is converted into manure while the plastic waste is sold by the gram panchayat on kg basis.

temporary equipment was provided by the temple authority, while the smaller vendors occupied the space on the ground.

• In general, the vendors who were from different parts of Karnataka, either rent a room or slept within the shop premises and used the public toilet facilities.

DHARMASTHALA : GRAM PANCHAYAT OFFICE CLERK

REPORT ON DHARMASTHALA