BENGALURU: The Karnataka government has started work on undertaking ropeway project in 13 new locations in the state. These locations have been chosen based on the footfall to the destinations.
Minister for tourism and energy KJ George on Monday directed the officials to expedite the implementation of projects. He also directed the officials to place the proposal before the next meeting of the state cabinet for approval.
The feasibility studies have been entrusted to RITES. Of these, feasibility reports for eight projects have already been completed.
George told the officials to obtain all mandatory approvals from the forest and environment departments and other statutory agencies before floating tenders. Pertaining to the Mullayanagiri Ropeway Project, George directed the officials to facilitate for the required clearances immediately and instructed RITES to submit the feasibility report within one month.
Interestingly the list did not include Nandi Hills and Chamundi Hills. Reacting to this, Dr KV Trilok Chandra, secretary, Department of Tourism, said since work on Nandi Hills is already underway it has not been included.
Chamundi Hills was not in the list for ropeway project. He added, in case of Mallalli Falls in Kodagu and Mullayanagiri Peak in Chikkamagaluru, forest and environmental clearance will be required for the ropeway project will be between two hills.
The alignment at Anjanadri was changed, after inputs from stakeholders was obtained. The inputs from archaeological department was also incorporated and the draft was reworked at Madhugiri Fort in Tumakuru. The ropeway projects will be implemented under the the ‘Build, Own, Operate and Transfer’ model.
Proposed Projects
Madhugiri Fort – Tumakuru
Mallalli Falls – Kodagu
Anjanadri Hill – Koppal*
Ballari Fort – Ballari
Nrupatunga Hill – Dharwad
Yadgir Fort – Yadgir
Mylara Lingeshwara Temple – Yadgir*
Holalamma Temple – Gadag
Kalakaleshwara Temple – Gadag
Savadatti Yellamma Temple – B’gavi
Devaragudda Malatesha Temple – Haveri*
Gokak Falls – Belagavi*
Mullayanagiri Peak – C’magaluru
*Prelim feasibility studies done