Kambala Committee seeks government support

Mangaluru: In an attempt to bring in uniformiity in organising kambala festivals, and to attract international tourists, the Kambala Committee has submitted a memorandum to the government, seeking funds for setting up an integrated research and development centre and training centres for kambala at different places along the coast. Further, they have requested the government to undertake registration of Kambala buffaloes through the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).
Former general secretary, District Kambala Committee, Mulikar Kanginamane Vijay Kumar, told TOI that a memorandum was submitted recently to minister for Kannada and culture V Sunil Kumar, sports minister Narayana Gowda, and animal husbandry minister Prabhu Chauhan. A delegation led by P R Shetty, president, District Kambala Committee, has requested financial support for the promotion of the sport.
The kambala season begins from mid-November, and goes up to March, and around 22 events are held.
“Along with promoting the sport at the international level, we are looking at protecting the buffalo breed that is used for kambala. Kambala buffalos are of the Thalavara and Gauli breeds and live for around 28 years. They are able to participate in kambala for about 21 years. During transportation of the buffaloes for the events, owners should abide by the law of animal transportation, and should have valid certificates. We request the government to grant 10,000 sq ft for a cow shed, and 25 acres of gaumala exclusively for kambala buffaloes. This should include five acres by the riverside to maintain kambala buffaloes, and land to develop medicinal plants,” Vijay Kumar said.
The committee wants the government to issue guidelines through the formation of the Karnataka State Kambala Authority. “We want everything to be documented henceforth, including registration of the jockeys. Kambala jockeys should be recognised like any other sportsperson, and should be entitled to jobs, travel concessions, pension and scholarship. Further, organisers must ensure that there is sufficient water and fodder arrangement at the event. Also, from this year, we will insist that a team of three veterinarians must examine the buffalo, and the related documents, before the kambala festival begins. Human and animal ambulances must be stationed during the event,” Vijay Kumar added.