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Madikeri, Aug. 13: Official sources have confirmed to ‘Shakti’ that the state government has finally dropped the ‘Glass Bridge and Food Court’ project in Rajaseat, which has been the subject of intense debate and widespread opposition for the past few days, and Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda has also accepted this.
Rajaseat, which is at the forefront of the district’s famous tourist centers, attracts tourists with its atmosphere, environment and panoramic view. Watching the sunset in this place covered in lush greenery is a pleasant experience. This place, which is also perfect for air travel, is loved not only by tourists but also by locals. Opposition was expressed by the people of the district that if a glass bridge is built in such a place, it will not only affect the beauty but also cause major natural disasters due to geographical problems. It was also the subject of political and pro-opposition discussions.
‘Shakti’ attracted attention Shakti’ had published a detailed report on the proposal to build a glass bridge and food court inside Raja Seat a year ago and shed light on the proposed project. It was at this time that opposition to it began.
A meeting was reported on July 6, 2024, in Bengaluru. ‘Shakti’ had also first reported on the approval of the construction of a glass bridge and food court in private partnership on June 2.
On July 16, at the Madikeri District Administration Building, under the chairmanship of District Collector Venkat Raja, when discussions regarding the construction of a glass bridge were held, special invitee G. Chidvilas, who was present at the meeting, tried to convince the public of the problems that would arise from this and demanded the cancellation of the project.
‘Shakti’ had earlier reported that a tender of Rs. 15 crore was held for the construction of a glass bridge and food court at the Bangalore level without publishing it in the local newspapers. This secretive process had raised doubts about the project. It had also brought to light the fact that a preliminary meeting was held with the tenderers. It had also reported on the complications arising under the law.Widespread opposition
The government’s direct undertaking of the construction of a glass bridge at Rajaseat, which is managed by the Horticulture Department and supervised by the Archaeological Department, had been caught in a trap of controversy.
The day after ‘Shakti’ published the report on this, former minister Y.C. Nanaiah had expressed opposition and demanded the withdrawal of permission. He had said that it was not right to formulate a project for commercial purposes. He had also informed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah about this and requested him to drop the project. Along with this, the district BJP had also insisted on dropping the construction of the glass bridge. Former MLA M.P. Appachchu Ranjan had also warned of legal action.
There was a huge uproar in the municipal council over this issue. Nominated members, including a Congress member, opposed the holding of a special meeting on the Glass Bridge issue and demanded that the meeting be adjourned. BJP members insisted that a discussion on its pros and cons was necessary. It was decided to take a final decision after the report from the government.Siddaramaiah discussion
After the Glass Bridge project turned into a controversy, it has been learned that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah discussed it with some prominent people and MLAs of the district.
Y.C. Nanaiah is also said to have questioned whether there was a need for this project that people like him were opposing. ‘Shakti’ has received information that the Glass Bridge project was cancelled after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah himself suggested that the project be abandoned.
The government has abandoned the construction of a glass bridge in Rajasit. It has been abandoned due to unscientific planning and legal constraints. Most importantly, I do not agree to implement a project that will harm nature. There is no need for a skywalk at Rajaseat, said Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda.
When contacted by ‘Shakti’ to clarify the background to the abandonment of the project, Mantar responded that many problems had arisen due to natural disasters that had occurred in the past. We never do anything that would harm nature. Some people have opposed this politically. However, it has been decided that the work cannot continue due to the sentiments of the people and the intention of not harming nature. I will give clear information about this in 2-3 days. I am committed to protecting Rajaseat, and the project has been instructed to be stopped, he said.
‘Shakti’ brought to light in 2024
‘Shakti’ had shed light on the secret attempt to build a glass bridge at the site of Rajaseat Park in its July 6, 2024 issue.
The newspaper mentioned the role of some influential people behind this attempt and reported that this business was going on at a high level.
This was discussed in a meeting attended only by officials. Senior government officials from the Horticulture Department and some officials from the district participated in this meeting through video conferencing. The issue of opposition from environmentalists in the district to some such projects and the need for permission from the Archaeological Department were also raised in this meeting.However, at that time, the District Collector himself, the then Assistant Director of the Horticulture Department, said that he had no information about this, when the newspaper sought information.
Note:This article is translated by xklsv.com, from shakthidaily.info; the Shakthi Daily is not liable for any errors in translation. If there are any errors in spellings, please mail [email protected]
