The Karnataka Tourism Department is exploring the installation of a ropeway or winch train at Anjanadri Hills,aiming to improve access for thousands of tourists who struggle with the 575-step climb to the summit. This initiative draws inspiration from a similar project at Palani Hills in Tamil Nadu, where a cable car system has successfully facilitated visitor access .
Officials from the Tourism Department have engaged a private consultancy to conduct a Heritage Impact Assessment Report . This report will be crucial for submissions to state government, Archaeological Survey of India, and the World Heritage Centre of UNESCO. Anjanadri Hills holds significant cultural importance as it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman and is situated within the buffer zone of Hampi, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To ensure that the project aligns with environmental and heritage preservation standards, the consultancy is currently analyzing the area's geography. The focus is on determining a suitable route for the proposed cable car system, which must avoid obstructing the views of nearby historical landmarks,including the Stone Chariot and the Vijaya Vittala Temple. An official stated that the installation would be carefully planned to protect the skyline of these significant monuments.
The proposed funicular or winch train system would consist of three separate rail tracks, designed to transport large groups of devotees safely and efficiently. The cable cars, capable of carrying four passengers each, would provide a swift journey to the hilltop in approximately five to six minutes, depending on distance. This project is expected to be executed under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, allowing for shared investment and management.
Once operational, the system would significantly benefit children, senior citizens,and women,enabling easier access to the hilltop without the strenuous climb . However,the proposal has faced criticism from environmentalists concerned about its potential impact on local wildlife .
A.N. Yellappa Reddy, an environmentalist and former Indian Forest Service officer,has voiced strong objections to the project. He warns that the installation of a ropeway or winch train could disrupt natural habitat of sloth bears, which are native to the region. Reddy emphasizes that increased human activity could lead to conflicts between wildlife and visitors,as well as pollution from littering by tourists. He also noted that the rise in vehicular traffic on roads leading to the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary could exacerbate these issues .
As discussions continue,the Karnataka Tourism Department faces the challenge of balancing tourism development with environmental conservation. The outcome of the Heritage Impact Assessment will play a pivotal role in determining the project's future .
