Ropeway plans become knotty issue

BANGALORE: The tourism department's plans to start ropeways in four locations across the state are hanging, well, by a slender thread. The department planned them at Nandi Hills, Jog Falls, Chamundi Hills and Lalbagh.
The first was to have been at Nandi two years ago. But the plan became so coiled up, it is now positively knotty. The ropeway was one of the main components of a complete overhaul of Nandi's image and facade, converting it into an entertainment centre atop a hill, but it's still being kicked around.
"The department called for tenders, examined the bids, held discussions and had almost finalised the contract. And then it hit a snag. Now the project is almost forgotten," sources said. Reason: inter-departmental rivalry in some cases and lack of cooperation and coordination in most.
And with Nandi, the problem is compounded many times over owing to the stakes that multiple departments have on the hill station. Nandi is largely owned by the horticulture department; other players include public works, KPTC and a few others who all have various stakes.
The government tried to overcome this three years ago, in vain. "It has been decided to constitute a Nandi Hills Development Authority. This will have representatives from all the stakeholders and issues can be resolved. Work will start soon after the authority is constituted," outgoing tourism commissioner Mahendra Jain said.
But with the Nandi initiative going nowhere, the department is not even enthused about the other projects. "This was to have been the pilot project, with which we hoped to gauge tourist response. Now we are not so sure," sources said.
In Jog too, work on a comprehensive development plan is under way but the ropeway is still unclear. "There will either be improved steps or a tramway to reach the base. But we're not sure of ropeway," they add.