Mysuru, 3 Sept

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said smoking, drinking alcohol or consuming 'gutka' and 'paan' will be completely prohibited on Chamundi hills, which will also be made plastic-free.

He also asked officials to prepare a master plan for development of Chamundi hills over the next five years.

"Smoking, drinking alcohol or consuming gutka and paan on Chamundi hills have been completely prohibited. We had decided to make Chamundi hill plastic free," Siddaramaiah said after chairing the first meeting of the Chamundeshwari Kshetra Development Authority here.

Speaking to reporters, he said additional funds of Rs 11 crore will be released from the Authority to implement the union government's Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme here, and five temples will be renovated.

"Inside the temple (on the Chamundi hills) photography will be prohibited and mobile phones should be switched off... making Chamundi hills more attractive and providing all facilities and amenities is the aim," he said.

He added, however, that there will be no dress code, and all people, irrespective of caste, religion and sex, are welcome to the temple.

Siddaramaiah said some developmental work have been completed while others are still pending completion and they have to be completed immediately.

Siddaramaiah said in coordination with the police department, the temple authorities will install CCTV cameras at various spots where it is necessary. -PTI