Hassan: The Archaeological Survey of India has denied permission to install a lift to high-tech Attalige (staircase) for the Masthakabhisheka as it may damage the Bahubali statue in Shravanabelagola, informed the Public Welfare Department Executive Engineer Nagaraj.
In a meeting to review the progress of the Mahamasthakabhisheka, he said, “Though the National Institute of Rock Mechanics has given a certificate stating that by installing lifts the statue will not be damaged, the archaeological department is not ready to give permission. They have suggested three places which are 50 meters away from the statue.”
Mahotsava Special Officer Rakesh Singh said that attempts would be made to convince the archaeological department officials. “If it doesn’t work, then we will have to make alternative arrangements,” he said.
KSRTC Divisional Officer Yashvanth, in the meeting, said that the Archaeological Department had served a notice for constructing a restroom for the staff at the staircase of the Shravanabelagola bus stand. During the Mahotsava, arrangements have been made for 175 buses and 60 mini buses.
Health and Family Welfare Department Commissioner Manoj Kumar Meena said that the last time 13,000 people were treated as outpatients, while, there were 6,000 inpatients. Many cases were related to heart diseases. This time a hospital with 200 beds is ready and 130 expert physicians, 10 ambulances, 13 clinics and more than 1,000 staff will be appointed, he said.
Mahamasthakabhisheka Mahotsava Committee Secretary Vinod Doddannavara said that as the Masthakabhisheka is held between 6 AM and 2 PM, there will be no entry for the public.
District In-Charge Minister A Manju said that January 30 would be the deadline for the preparations.
