Chamundi Hill development: `37 crore plan proposed

In a meeting regarding the development of Chamundi Hill, chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, district administration proposed a plan of Rs 37 crore for the religious tourism destination.

The plan, when implemented, will ensure basic facilities for devotees atop the hill and also comprehensive development of the temple surroundings.

Among the major problems discussed during the meeting were, issues concerning parking facility, waste management and accommodation facilities for devotees visiting the temple.

Member of Chamundi Hill grama panchayat, Shambulinga said that the number of devotees visiting the famed temple was on a rise. However, since there were no proper parking facilties, tourists are found parking their vehicles as far as Devikere. A permanent solution should be provided for the parking problems atop the hill, he said.

Deputy Commissioner, C Shikha said that eight acres of forest land, near bus stand in Chamundi Hill was acquired by the district administration. Parking problems will be addressed if the land is developed, she said.

During the meeting, the absence of streetlights from the temple to Devikere was also noted. Shikha said that steps are being taken to install streetlights. Apart from this, a park will come up at the base of Chamundi Hill in order to benefit people who come for walks near the Hill.

Shelters will also be set up at a few points to assist people, who use stairs to climb the Hill, she added.

Members of Chamundi Hill grama panchayat also demanded additional lodging facilities for devotees, as the present lodge could only accommodate 20 people. Drinking water facility and bath complex must also be developed, they said.

Waste disposal

Even though Chamundi Hill has been declared as a no plastic zone, concerns were also raised on disposing plastic waste in and around the Hills. Mysore City Corporation was also blamed for not disposing the solid waste generated atop the Hill.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah instructed MCC officials to maintain cleanliness atop the Hill. He said that appropriate decision will be taken after Revenue Minister V Sreenivas Prasad conducts a spot inspection and reviews the demands.