Mysuru, Oct. 1 -- String lights wrapped around rented iron poles

After environmentalists protested wrapping electric lights around trees for Dasara festival illumination, authorities and their contractors have adopted alternative methods to put up decorative lighting across the city.

Electric illumination is a major attraction of Dasara, with important roads lit up with colourful LED bulbs. However, environmental activists had earlier protested the practice of tying bulbs and string lights to roadside trees and even removed some of the lighting. Following the protests, officials instructed contractors not to use trees for illumination.

Contractors have now turned to bamboo baskets and iron pipes as alternatives.

On Krishnaraja Bouleva...