HASSAN: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is yet to take a decision on the State Government's proposal to provide a cable-car to Vindyagiri at Shravanabelagola, where the world's tallest monolithic statue of Gommateshwara stands. The facility is for the benefit of the aged and the physically challenged who will be visiting the pilgrimage centre for the Mahamastakabhisheka in February 2006 and was proposed by the State-level committee formed for holding the event.

The committee, at a meeting on May 9, felt the need for installing either a lift or a cable-car to help pilgrims climb the 3,347-ft-high Vindyagiri. To examine the proposal, a committee headed by the Managing Director of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, M.R. Sreenivasa Murthy, was formed. After considering the proposal, Mr. Murthy ruled out installing a lift and said a cable-car could be considered.

Sri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji agreed to the proposal and suggested that the cable-car be connected to the northeastern side of the hill.

But the ASI turned down the proposal, as it has to protect the aesthetic aspects of the place and ensure the visibility of the statue from a distance of 26 km. However, it agreed to consider a proposal to run a cable-car from the western side of the hill. Sources in the State-level committee said that though the Government has earmarked sufficient funds for project, the ASI has not yet taken a final decision on whether to sanction the proposal.

The sources said another proposal of the Government to construct permanent stone steps to climb the hill and build a compound wall around the hill to provide security to dignitaries visiting the pilgrimage centre, in view of the growing naxalite menace in the neighbouring Chikmagalur district, is also awaiting clearance from the ASI.

The sources said a committee comprising Mr. Murthy; the Superintending Archaeologist of the ASI, Bangalore Circle, S.V.P. Halakatti; and the Joint Secretary to the Public Works Department, Nagendra, has been formed to study the technical feasibility of the cable-car project. The team, which was expected to visit Shravanabelagola on August 22, cancelled its programme. A senior official in the Revenue Department said the Government has written a letter to the Director General of the ASI to expedite the proposal.

When contacted by The Hindu , Mr. Halakatti said the three-member committee is in the process of assessing the impact of installing cable-car in the vicinity of the world's tallest monolithic statue, as it is a national monument.

Only the Director General (DG) of the ASI is authorised to take such decisions since it involves policy. However, the expert committee will submit a report to the Director General soon.

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