Swarna Shukla-
Published on- November 26, 2021, 17:20 IST
The Tamil Nadu government informed the Madras High Court that a feasibility study for developing rope car facilities at five hill temples in the State is being undertaken at a cost of Rs 1 crore.
Advocate General (AG) R Shanmugasundaram submitted before the first Bench of Acting Chief Justice Munishwar Nath Bhandari and Justice PD Audikesavalu on a Petition seeking orders for a project report on creating such facilities in 33 hill temples across the State.
The Petition was instituted by Advocate B. Jagannath seeking directions to the Respondent authorities for preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) consisting of Safety Audit Report, Environmental Impact Assessment Report, Financial Viability Report, and Techno Feasibility Report on construction and installation of rope cars in the thirty-three temples as stated in the representation.
The Petitioner contended that such a step was necessary to ensure pilgrims had accessibility to these temples located in difficult terrains like hills. The matter was more critical considering the hardships faced by senior citizens, persons with disabilities, visually challenged and pregnant women for vising these temples.
Rope car facility is currently operational at Palani temple, and is under construction at Sholingur and Ayyarmalai, the AG informed. He added that the study is going on at Thirukazhukundram, Tiruchy Rock Fort, Tiruchengode, Tiruttani, and Thiruneermalai. Disposing of the Petition, the Bench allowed the Petitioner to make a representation to the Tamil Nadu Government for finding out the feasibility in other places. The Petitioner was subsequently directed to make a representation to the Government about the remaining temples.