MYSORE: The proposed ropeway project at Chamundi Hills, which triggered off a controversy with vociferous protests against it, has not been shelved "as of now," according to the Commissioner for Tourism Yogendra Tripathi.

Speaking to presspersons after inspecting the renovation work of Hotel Mayura Hoysala, operated by the Tourism Department, Mr. Tripathi said the ropeway project was sanctioned long time ago but was mired in controversy, as environmentalists were opposed to it. He refused to elaborate on the subject given the opposition to it, but reiterated that it has not been shelved.

The project was opposed by a cross-section of citizens, including litterateurs, intellectuals and non-governmental organisations, as it posed a threat to the fragile ecosystem of Chamundi Hills.

Though Minister for Tourism Development D.T. Jayakumar has approved the project, prominent intellectuals, writers, academics, doctors, engineers, scientists, activists, NGOs, and others have urged the Government to drop the project and demanded an Environmental Impact Assessment before clearing it. As a result of the growing public opinion against it, the Government suspended the "guddali puja" (ground-breaking ceremony) for the ropeway works, which was slated to be held on August 12.

Sound and light show

Commenting on the progress of Son et Lumiere or the Sound and Light programme at the Mysore Palace, Mr. Tripathi said it is in the final stages of completion and will be introduced as an added attraction to tourists visiting the city.

He refused to specify a date as to when the project would be ready, but did not rule out the possibility of the show materialising in January 2006.

He made a passing reference to the controversy surrounding the show when the authorities constructed a cement masonry wall for seating arrangements that resulted in a hue and cry, as the new structure marred the beauty of the Palace. Hence, the wall was pulled down and the project was further delayed. "Had it not been for the controversy, the sound and light show would have been in vogue now," Mr. Tripathi said.

Tourism project

Asked about implementation of Destination Tourism project, Mr. Tripathi said the focus will be north Karnataka as it was replete with a plethora of monuments and place of tourist interest but has not receive due publicity.

Destination Tourism is a Central Government-funded project which entails funds to the tune of Rs. 5.5 crores for developing infrastructure and tourism promotion.

Mr. Tripathi said a detailed report has been submitted to the Centre and focus will be on lesser known places of tourist importance in north Karnataka though the rest of the State will also be covered.

He pointed out Mysore does not require any special thrust as it is etched in the minds of the tourists as a popular destination and hence north Karnataka would be promoted as it was still unexplored.

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