Environmentalists to intensify stir against Rs 62-crore PRASAD project on Chamundi Hill

Mysuru: Environmentalists are all set to intensify their movement to save Chamundi Hill. They are up in arms against the project of 'development of pilgrimage amenities' atop the Chamundi Hill, under PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Augmentation Drive) scheme.

They are taking up the second round of 'Citizens' awareness walk' in order to urge authorities to preserve the natural beauty and serenity, spiritual sanctity and cultural heritage of the hill. They are climbing steps from 7.30 am on Sunday, February 1.

Members of Parisarakkaagi Naavu, Mysuru Grahakara Parishat, Youth for ecological sustainability, PUCL, Belavala foundation, Team Mysuru, RLHP and other organisations have come together for the movement.

Parashuramegowda of Parisarakkaagi Naavu said, "Construction work on the hill should be stopped as Chamundi hill is a reserve forest and ecologically sensitive zone. It cannot hold further pressure. Also we are worried that these works might affect the foundation of the structure of Sri Chamundeshwari devi temple. The funds received under PRASAD scheme should be utilised for sustainable alternate works like providing parking facilities for private vehicles at the foot of Chamundi hill; purchasing electric buses; for sewage and solid waste management atop hill".

The environmentalists have already written several letters to various authorities to stop the work.

Meanwhile, a petition filed by Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, member of the erstwhile royal family, opposing these works is also pending in the Court.

Project

The work atop Chamundi Hill is taken up at a cost of Rs 45.71 crore from the Union government and Rs 16.28 crore from the State government. The State Tourism department sent this proposal to the Centre on January 27, 2021. The Union Ministry of Tourism (MoT) approved the project on September 1, 2022.

The Under Secretary of the MoT gave administrative approval on June 14, 2023. Karnataka State Cabinet approved it on January 5, 2023. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched it virtually, on March 7, 2024. KTIL (Karnataka Tourism Infrastructure Limited) is implementing the work.

The tender has been handed over to SKS Karkala Infotech, from Karkala. The work began in January this year. They are coming up with a queue mantapa, toilets, footwear stand, cloak room, drinking water facilities, entrance plaza to house information centre, ticket counter, an entrance arch and improvement of view points.