Rs 80-cr boost for basic facilities at Chamundi Hill

In another 18 months, Chamundi Hill, one of the most visited religious tourist spots in the State, will get a makeover.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on Thursday, laid foundation for providing basic infrastructure facilities  at an estimated cost of Rs 79.94 crore.

According to a handout provided by the department of Religious Endowment, PWD and district administration, the works include a multi-level parking lot, commercial complex and toilet complexes.

For this, the Religious Endowment department is spending the revenue generated at the temple. The annual revenue had increased to Rs 21 crore the previous fiscal, said Muzrai and Excise Minister Manohar Tahsildar.

The department has acquired 8.04 acres of land atop the hill for the purpose (at the entrance of the hill next to the bus stand), he added.

The chief minister said, in the second phase, it was intended to develop a four-lane road to the hill at a cost of Rs 30 crore. He directed PWD Minister Dr H C Mahadevappa to initiate the work.

Besides, shelter on the lines of Tirupati, for devotees, dormitory and other facilities are also planned. Though Chamundi Hill stands next to Male Mahadeshwara Hill, the highest revenue grosser in the State, the works are planned in the interest of devotees, whose numbers are expected to increase once the works are completed.

Revenue and District in-charge Minister V Srinivas Prasad said, “The hill shrine has both mythological and historical significance, being the deity of the erstwhile rulers of Mysuru, the Wadiyars. MLA G T Devegowda was present.