MYSORE: The controversy surrounding the proposed Rs. 6.50-crore project to construct a ropeway to the Chamundi Hills has taken a new turn with the residents of Gourishankar Nagar and Datta Nagar, led by M.K. Somashekar, MLA, protesting against the alleged illegal encroachment of land by the agency that has been assigned to execute the project.

The protesters blocked Mysore-Nanjangud road on Wednesday for some time protesting against what they described as the illegal encroachment of roads by a Bangalore-based agency, which secured the contract for constructing the ropeway to the hills.

The Chamundi Hill Ropeway Project (CHRP) connecting the foot of Chamudi Hills to its peak was awarded to SIKKA Interplant System (SIS) some eight years ago. But owing to various reasons and the non-availability of some machinery, the work has been held up.

According to sources in the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB), 3.33 acres of land had been leased out to SIS for constructing the ropeway, and the agency had constructed a wall and put up a gate to protect the land. The protesters conducted a demonstration near the work site, which is opposite to Ganapathi Sachchidanada Swamy Ashrama.

They alleged that the KIADB had leased 3.33 acres of land worth several crores of rupees to SIS on November 3 last year without bringing this to the notice of the people. Describing the KIADB's decision as "wilful gratification and criminal negligence", the protesters accused it of leasing the land for a measly Rs. 100 as annual rent after collecting Rs. 34.84 lakh as the premium amount.

They said that after getting the land for a pittance, the agency had encroached upon roads on the southern and northern sides of the land, causing a lot of inconvenience to the public. The agitators have appealed to the Lokayukta to investigate into the matter.

Mr. Somashekar told The Hindu that the KIADB had leased prime land to SIS for constructing the ropeway on Chamundi Hills. However, the rise in the price of land in Mysore city had given rise to attempts to grab the land. "As the market value of the land is Rs. 15 crore, attempts are being made to grab it," he alleged.

Development Officer of the KIADB T.R. Swamy said, however, that there was nothing illegal about the deal, as the land was acquired some 15 years ago at the price fixed by the Revenue Department and the same had been leased out for the company to store the materials needed to construct the ropeway.

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