Mysuru, 4 Jan

Hundreds of activists and Mysuru city residents with their children protested against the commercialisation of the Chamundi Hills on Sunday. They climbed the hills and gathered near the Sri Chamundeshwari temple.

Various seers and activists urged the State government to immediately stop all construction works including those that were taken up under the Union Government-sponsored Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme.

The project kicked off on Saturday after a three-year delay, with the Central government funding Rs 45.71 crore, while the State government would contribute Rs 16.28 crore. The project, which says it aims to beautify Chamundi Hills, will utilise nearly 5 acres to develop a parking lot.

Activists say such fresh constructions only add to the concretisation of Chamundi Hills and will erode its forest cover.

The protest was organised by Parisarakkagi Naavu (People for Environment) in association with Mysuru Grahakara Parishat, Team Mysuru, People’s Union for Civil Liberties, Belavala Foundation, Mysuru Cultural Association and other organisations.

Parusharame Gowda from People for Environment said they are seeking an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) and a study to establish the carrying capacity of Chamundi Hills. In its absence, projects like PRASAD are being pushed through to the detriment of the environment in Chamundi Hills.

Heritage expert NS Rangaraju said that Sri Chamundeshwari Kshetra Development Authority should have expert members to prevent unscientific construction projects.

The protesters also called upon the Forest Department to strictly implement the bans on plastic and activities such as the consumption of alcohol on the Hill, which is a reserve forest.

They said that the government should take action against the illegal encroachments and relocate the shops and houses to the foot of the Hill.

Former MUDA chairman HV Rajiv, Kappatagudda Shivakumar Swamiji, Nidososi Mutt Siddalingeshwara Swamiji, Torenur Mutt Malleshwar Swamiji, and others took part.