Daijiworld Media Network - Hassan (SP)

Hassan, Dec 23: The archaeological department has taken up the initiative to renovate historic Rosary Church at Shettihalli in the district. It has prepared an action plan worth Rs 1.2 crore and submitted the same to the district administration.

Since the last many years, there had been pressure from various quarters for the conservation of the church dedicated to Mother Rosary. On July 3, 2020, the then tourism minister, CT Ravi, had visited the church along with deputy commissioner, R Girish, and instructed the officials to take steps to maintain the church in its original condition. As a result, the work of reconstruction is being taken up and proposal has been submitted for grant.

The Rosary church was built in 1860 and has a history of 360 years. Around 2,000 families were living around Shettihalli in the past. But after Hemavathi reservoir was built in 1976, the entire village went under water. The church remained alone, surrounded by the drowned structures. It may be noted that Fr F Kittel had served in this church. Since the last 40 years, during the rainy season, because of the build-up the backwaters, the church looks like floating in water.

The church has many unique features, and the archaeology department has prepared a list of works to be conducted here which include levelling of area round the church that is spread over 2,573 sq ft, strengthening the foundation of the church, grouting with lime for the gaps in the walls, stitching work with stones for wall cracks, etc.

Sathish, conservation assistant in the department, said that the team which did the conservation work of St Philomena Church at Mysuru will handle the works here.