Mysuru: The city’s environmentalists and NGOs are irked after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah went ahead and laid the foundation stone for various development projects like a multi-storeyed parking lot, bus stand, commercial complex and four lane roads to Chamundi hill at the cost of Rs 79.44 crores.
President of Mysuru Grahakara Parishat, R Chandraprakash, said, “We are planning to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the court to stop construction activities which will destroy the flora and fauna of Chamundi hills. What is the need of four lane roads when there are already four roads to reach to the hills? If the authorities can create one way roads, it is good enough to manage the traffic for the next 30 years. Once the road is widened, the population will increase atop the hills, which will gradually lead to the destruction of the hills. This is not the first time they are exerting pressure on Chamundi hills. Earlier they wanted to build a canopy for the Chamundi hills steps and provide cable car facilities which again pose a threat to the rich greenery of Chamundi hills.”
The Chamundi Hill temple, Nandi and Mahisasura have stood for over centuries, inspiring thousands of worshippers and travelers to experience peace of mind and spirituality. Forest cover for healthy inhabitation is minimum 33 percent. Today, the coverage is just 15.6% including national parks and wildlife sanctuaries for entire Mysuru district. The proposed development by creating a concrete jungle will hasten their extinction. The chirp of the birds, quietness up the stairs and religiosity offer a break from the weariness of localities to travelers alike and help create peace.
The online petition, “Chief Minister of Karnataka: Save Chamundi Hills” has been signed by various environmentalists and people who are against to the development projects on the hills. Amateur bird watcher Ashish Sharma, says, “Mysuru temperature has already touched 39 degree celsius in this summer season. If we won’t learn our lessons from the past mistakes, which we committed by chopping trees, Mysuru will no longer be the coolest city. The trees which will be chopped in the name of development are irreplaceable. Apart from trees, we might also lose precious animals and birds. Instead of concentrating on providing additional facilities, they should keep Chamundi hills free from plastic which will enhance the beauty of the hills”.
It is said that Chamundi Hills are a home for many migratory birds. More than 100 different species of birds have their nesting place. It can also be brought to light that even Pramoda Devi Wodeyar and Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodeyar too took part in the rally, opposing the government’s move for various developmental programs atop the hill.
Government’s plans atop Chamundi Hills
A multi-storeyed parking complex where more than 700 cars can be parked, a commercial complex for shops so that devotees and visitors can have one destination for shopping including toilet block, a canopy which can give shelter for the devotees who stand in queue and four lane road which will take visitors to the Chamundi hills.
