Travellers' bungalow construction halted

Building is on protected land

Former minister Alangur Srinivas had ensured release of Rs three crore for the renovation of the ancient temple and work on developing the temple had also begun.

Officers of the Nirmiti Kendra had started laying the foundation for a travellers’ bungalow for the convenience of the visitors to the temple.

On learning about such developments, the officers of the State Archaeological Department, led by Siddana Gowda, ordered the officers of the Tourism Department to build the bungalow at a different spot.

They also explained that the Virupakshaswamy Temple is situated at a protected area and therefore no building can be constructed on the land.

They also instructed the officers of the Nirmiti Kendra to keep safe the stone blocks that were piled up near the temple for construction work.

Tourism Department officer Shivalingaiah, tahsildar P Jayamadhava and muzrai Manjunath were present.