Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial set amidst the ocean off Kanyakumari is under threat from rapid erosion of the rocks upon which the monument is built.
The sea waves have been buffeting the rocks under this magnificent monument for years thereby weakening it foundation. Taking note of this situation, the Union tourism and culture ministry has decided that the preservation and conservation of this monument will now be handled by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Mr Jagmohan today convened a meeting of top officials of his ministry and the ASI to discuss the issue. The meeting decided that the Vivekananda Memorial will be declared an ASI-protected monument of national significance. The ASI, which has already issued a preliminary notification, will issue a final notification in this connection within a few days.
A noted pilgrimage centre and tourist site, Kanyakumari, at the southernmost tip of peninsular India, is a confluence of three oceans - the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and Bay of Bengal.
Swami Vivekananda's connection to Kanyakumari dates back to 1892 when he arrived there on a pilgrimage, swam in the ocean up to a rock, and spent the whole night there meditating. He attended the Parliament of Religions, a major event in the modern history of Hinduism, held in Chicago the next year. The memorial on the rock was established later to commemorate his visit.
Today's meeting decided to consult Chennai-based Indian Institute for Ocean technology to check the erosion. The ministry will spend Rs 5 crore to conserve and upgrade the memorial, including anti-erosion treatment of rocks, flood lighting, landscaping, setting up paths, development of the memorial museum, construction of a bridge, strengthening and extending the jetty, and setting up of more huts at the Vivekananda Kendra.
The tourism and culture ministry
has also proposed to launch a light and sound programme showcasing Vivekananda's
life and teachings at the site. It has also taken up the matter of streamlining
ferry services for visitors across the choppy sea to the memorial with
the shipping ministry.