Construction within prohibited area of ASI monument continues at Kudli in Shivamogga taluk

The construction of private structures within the prohibited area of Rameshwara temple, an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected monument, at Kudli in Shivamogga taluk, has continued unabated even after a notice was served to stop it. The villagers have expressed surprise over the continuance of the construction activity.

The construction of private structures within the prohibited area of Rameshwara temple, an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected monument, at Kudli in Shivamogga taluk, has continued unabated even after a notice was served to stop it. The villagers have expressed surprise over the continuance of the construction activity.

Rameshwara temple, a 12th-century Hoysala structure, is located at the confluence of the Tunga and the Bhadra. Hundreds of devotees from different places visit the place every year. Recently, Arya Akshobhya Tirtha Mutt, located close to the ASI monument, began construction of a community hall after demolishing the old one.

M. Nandu, Senior Conservation Assistant of ASI’s Shivamogga Circle, issued a notice on November 27, 2024, to stop the construction. The officer, in his 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 the mutt permission to take up the construction.

However, when The Hindu visited the place recently, work was continuing. The ground had been levelled, and a central structure was almost completed.

An official of the ASI, who wished not to be named, stated that the construction had been going on day and night, irrespective of the notice. The villagers also pointed out that there had been no effort to stop the construction from government bodies.

“When we [villagers] take up minor repair of our houses and the government school within the restricted area of the monument, we are stopped. But huge structures are coming up close to the ASI monument. We are not against the religious institution that has taken up the construction. But, we are curious to know why the government has double standards,” said a resident of the village, who wished not to be named.

Bipin Chandra Negi, Superintendent Archaeologist of Bengaluru Circle, on Saturday, told The Hindu that the local officer had issued notice to stop the construction. “We have informed the Shivamogga district administration to file a complaint and take further action. If the construction is still going on, we will take steps necessary for its demolition as per the law,” he said.