ASI issues notice to stop construction at prohibited area at Kudli near Shivamogga

A religious institution had taken up construction of a community hall within the prohibited area of the 12th-century Rameshwara temple, an ASI-proteceted monument

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has issued a notice to Arya Akshobhya Teertha Mutt at Kudli village in Shivamogga taluk to immediately stop all construction activities on the mutt premises that falls within the prohibited area of the historical Rameshwara temple, an ASI-protected monument.

M. Nandu, Senior Conservation Assistant of the ASI’s Shivamogga Sub Circle, issued the notice on Wednesday. The Hindu reported on Tuesday regarding the construction work within the prohibited area of the 12th-century monument, located at the confluence of the Tunga and the Bhadra.

The ASI, in the notice, stated that there had been “unauthorised additions” in the north-west corner of the construction site, deviating from the approved drawings submitted to the National Monuments Authority (NMA), which granted permission for the construction of a community hall. He said that construction activities should remain suspended until satisfactory clarifications were received and approved.

Permission

Rameshwara temple, a Hoysala structure, is an attraction for tourists visiting Kudli. As it is a protected monument, the ASI has deputed its staff to maintain the structure.

The mutt obtained permission from the NMA in March 2023 to build a religious community hall as the existing structure collapsed due to natural calamities. The construction activity began a few months ago. It involved excavation and laying pillars and concrete structures. Heavy earthmovers were hired at the site for the work.

According to the documents accessed by The Hindu, the NMA granted permission for construction based on a letter issued by the Shivamogga tahsildar, which stated that the existing old building collapsed due to natural calamities and floods.

A few villagers, who were upset with construction activities close to the monument, complained to the ASI and raised doubts over the tahsildar’s letter. In response, the ASI sought clarification from the tahsildar’s office about the letter. On November 19, the tahsildar’s office wrote to the ASI stating that no such letter had been issued by the office.

Bipin Chandra Negi, Superintendent Archaeologist of Bengaluru Circle, said that activities at Kudli were in the knowledge of the ASI and the competent authority, the NMA, would take suitable action. ASI officers would send a report to the NMA on the alleged false document as well.

Mutt denies allegations

Meanwhile, Vadiraj Achar Huigol, who is authorised to speak to the media on behalf of the mutt, maintained that the mutt got permission from the competent authority and the tahsildar had no role in seeking permission. He had no information about the letter from the tahisldar’s office, he added.

Published - November 27, 2024 09:46 pm IST