Chennai:
The work to establish cable cars for the renowned hill temple of Sri Dhandayuthapani Swamy, Palani, the famous Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy temple, Sholinghur, and Sri Rathnagireeshwarar temple, Ayyarmalai in Karur, is underway. These projects will be executed by internationally reputed firms soon.
According to sources, cable car projects will facilitate an aerial view of the scenic pilgrim spots besides drawing large number of tourists to the temples. “A cable car was first introduced at the Sri Dhandayuthapani Swamy temple for the benefit of devotees in 2004 by chief minister J. Jayalalithaa. Following appreciation from devotees, it has been decided to provide one more international standard cable car for Palani,” said Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Minister M.S.M. Anandan.
The Palani temple attracts a large number of tourists from across India and the cable car is a major attraction. Though the volume of devotees heading for Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy temple and Sri Rathnagireeshwarar temple is increasing by the year, the lack of a cable car has been dampening the spirit of the pilgrims. The local residents have been insisting on a cable car to facilitate quicker access to the shrine.
Referring to the issue in the Assembly, recently, Anandan said the government was actively considering the projects and an expert committee has been formed to ensure the project materialises.
According to HR & CE commissioner P. Dhanapal, the government has sought expression of interest from global firms for executing the projects.
“The government will not compromise on the safety of the pilgrims and hence international standards would be followed while executing the cable cars,” he said.
source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> News> Current Affairs / by J.V. Siva Prasanna Kumar, DC / May 13th, 2013