There are over 60 temples on Mount Girnar and some 10 derasars or Jain temples. Hindu groups and local political leaders are keen to have the ropeway installed to help the elderly and bring tourists to the area. Jain leaders, on the other hand, say the ropeway will disturb the sanctity of the pilgrimage spot.

Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel, who had accompanied Union Home Minister L.K. Advani on his visit to the Somnath temple, had said that the rope way project was being shelved ``for the time being''. Though he did not give any reasons, it is believed that the government is under pressure from Jains.

Jain leaders give the example of Pavagadh, another pilgrimage spot, in central Gujarat. They say that after a ropeway was built, commercial activity has increased and the atmosphere of piety has been affected. However, Jain Samaj spokesman Anil Doshi refused comment. He said he had been asked by the Samaj not to make any press statement as the matter was being represented to the state government.

But local leaders, especially those of the Vishwa HIndu Parishad and other organisations of sadhus, don't agree with the Jain view. All-India Sadhu Samaj president Swami Gopalanandji and others submitted a memorandum to the chief mInister opposing the decision to shelve the project.

The Shankaracharya of Dwarkapeeth has also been dragged into the controversy with both the sides claiming his support. Swami Gopalanandji said that the Shankaracharya had supported the demand for the ropeway and the government had insulted his feelings by not acceding to the demand. Swami Gopalanandji and VHP leader A.K. Vora threatened to stage dharna if the issue is not sorted out at once. Vora accused the government of bowing to the pressure of a minority group.

However, Rashtriya Svayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Pravin Maniar, in a statement issued in Rajkot, thanked the Shankaracharya for making his views on the issue clear. According to Maniar, the Shankaracharya was of the opinion that the ropeway would harm the sanctity of Mount Girnar and bring little benefit.

It may be recalled that Usha Breko, a Calcutta firm, was contracted to build the ropeway after obtaining clearance from the Union Environment Ministry and local authorities. The project cost has risen from Rs 9.7 crore in 1992 to Rs 33 crore now. Land for the project has been cleared, too. But now, it appears, the project is stalled.