Metro may hit ‘historical’ hurdle

Metro may hit ‘historical’ hurdle


Namma Metro rail project in progress on CMH Road in Bangalore/SURESH NAMPOOTHIRI
Monica Jha | ENS
05 Oct 2008 04:07:00 AM IST

BANGALORE: After having trouble with private property owners over alignment and land acquisition, Namma Metro, the metro rail project of the City, might stumble on another block. This time for the sake of history.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is yet to receive any report on the noise and vibration study done by National Physical Laboratory (NPL), New Delhi, on possible impact of underground metro rail work on historical monuments in areas near the City Market and Chamarajpet.

However, officials from Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), the implementing agency of the metro rail project, have been claiming the report received from NPL was forwarded to the ASI for their perusal and feedback. The proposed alignment of metro rail passes right underneath the historical Mahadwara temple, next to Tipu’s Palace.

To ensure the underground work for laying metro track and metro operations in future does not damage the historical structure, ASI had advised BMRCL to get an elaborate technical study done by NPL for the stretch between Tipu Palace and Bangalore Fort, said a senior official of ASI, Bangalore Circle.

“Radar detection of the entire area is critical as there might exist some structure beneath the ground which the tunnelling work for metro could damage. If any ancient underground structure is discovered, it could be transplanted after excavation, before BMRCL starts tunnelling or metro would have to divert its alignment.We had written to the BMRCL officials very clearly to explain the method of execution of the project and evaluate its possible impact on the historical buildings. They are yet to get back to us with the report,” the ASI official said.Moreover, noise and vibration produced by operations of metro would harm the existing overground structure.

The 220-year-old Tipu’s Palace was constructed using traditional method with lime and mud and has a weak foundation.

After few years of operations, the foundation might loosen and cracks might appear, he added. Mahadwara temple was constructed at around the same time as Tipu’s Palace and in a similar fashion.

Underground Metro passes right below the dome of the temple and 70 metres away from the palace and close to the fort that was first constructed in the fifth century.

“ASI is also contemplating to take legal recourse to either get a stay on metro work or divert the alignment if BMRCL does not take enough precautions and does not co-operate with ASI,” said the ASI official.