Shettihalli Church’s renovation plan ready

Hassan: Popularly known as “The Submerged Church” and “The floating church,” Rosary Church in Shettihalli in Hassan district is now ready to be renovated as the archaeological department has taken up the initiative.

The archaeological department has submitted the action plan of the works estimated at around Rs. 1.2 crore to the district administration.

CT Ravi, then tourism minister had visited the church along with Deputy Commissioner, R Girish on July 3, 2020. They instructed the officials to take steps to maintain the church in its original condition. Following which the reconstruction work is being taken up and the proposal has been submitted for grant.

Rosary church was built by the French missionaries in India in the 1860s. The church is a gorgeous example of Gothic-style architecture. There were about 2,000 families living around Shettihalli in the past. However following the construction of Hemavathi reservoir in 1976, the entire village got submerged underwater.

The action-plan prepared by the archaeological department consists of a list of works to be conducted which include levelling the area around the church, strengthening the foundation of the church, grouting with lime for the gaps in the walls, stitching work for cracks in the walls , etc.

The team which did the conservation work of St Philomena Church at Mysuru will handle the works at Rosary Church, informed Satish, the conservation assistant in the department.