HUBBALLI: The much talked about meditation pyramid , whose inauguration on January 16 was postponed in the last minute, has allegedly turned into a platform for illicit activities.Hubballi-Dharwad Urban Development Authority ( HDUDA ), which had deferred the inauguration citing unavailability of then district minister Vinay Kulkarni, is now mute about the issue.Daily walkers and citizens are worried about the sorry state of the pyramid which has been scientifically built at a cost of over Rs 3 crore.Then HDUDA chairman Anwar Mudhol had scheduled the pyramid’s inauguration on January 16 after spending several lakhs. However the event was postponed at the last moment. Mudhol had stated then that the inauguration was cancelled as then district minister and MLA Prasad Abbayya had to attend some other importance works. Later, there was no talk about the pyramid’s inauguration and it was deferred after the model code of conduct for the assembly election came in to force.Siddu Mogalishettar, general secretary, Nrupatunga Betta Vayuviharigala Sangha, told TOI that morning walkers have approached HDUDA two-three times after the election. “It’s disheartening to know that the pyramid is left unattended. At a point, many citizens thought of inaugurating it themselves by sharing the expenses as a token of protest. But the idea was dropped as it was not fair and legal. We have heard that several illegal activities are taking part within the premises, which is worrying,” he said.Anuradha Bommanhalli, president of Vardhavan Sneha Kuta, said women of the area are again deprived of appropriate space for a morning walk and holding laughter club activities. “When the construction of the pyramid was about to conclude, we were all happy that our dream of having a pyramid was materializing. But our dream has remained just a dream,” she said.Jayalaxmi Umachagi, president, Vishweshwar Nagar Sri Vishwanath Mahila Mandal, said that over 250 members of the Mandal are eagerly waiting for the pyramid’s inauguration. “Many residents of Adhyapak Nagar, Vijay Nagar, Devang Pet, Santosh Nagar and other surrounding areas were prepared to involve in meditation activities. But now they are clueless about the inauguration. The government should inaugurate it at the earliest. If it’s opened, we will motivate women of the surrounding areas to attend meditation classes in the pyramid. Such activities help to improve social health,” she said.Expressing regret over the delay in the inauguration of the pyramid, MP Pralhad Joshi said he will instruct HDUDA officials to open it soon. “The state government should immediately inaugurate it at the earliest,” he urged.Meeting with officialsWe will convene a meeting with HDMC and other officials concerned this week to decide a date for inauguration. We will ensure that pyramid is inaugurated soon- Ningappa H Kummannanavar, Commissioner, HDUDA

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