Bengaluru: A royal touch for Save Chamundi' campaign

Mysuru: The campaign against the proposed developmental projects at the top of Chamundi hills, is gaining momentum with hundreds of concerned citizens assembling on Sunday morning in black attire to stage a protest with the slogan,  ‘Save Chamundi hills’.

Maharaja of the Mysuru royal family, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Maharani Pramoda Devi Wadiyar and Literateur S.L. Bhyrappa were among those who joined more than 500 citizens as a mark of protest. The protest concluded near Mahishasura statue atop Chamundi hills.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Mr Yaduveer said, “We are not against development, a certain amount of it is necessary to ensure better facilities for pilgrims going up and down the hills. But the current developmental activity happening on the hill totally neglects the sentiments of those concerned about the environment. The spiritual sanctity of the hill is taking a hit because of developmental activity.”

Noted literateur Mr Bhyrappa doubted the objective of the project and said, “Are they planning to reduce the hill to a township? The moment they use dynamite to break rocks, it will affect the rock structure in other part of the hill too. There are already three routes to the hill, they can be made ‘one-way’ to go up and come down. They can arrange for parking at the base of Chamundi hills and arrange buses to the hills as they do during the Ashada month. Except for one or two shops to sell pooja items, the rest should be cleared. If they do not know what to do with temple funds, they can help other temples in the city, which are in a poor condition.” 

Mr Prashanth B.S. of Mysuru Tourism Forum, said, “The prevailing standard for forest coverage should be atleast 33 percent, but in Mysuru  district, the coverage is just 15.6 percent.  The focus should be on keeping the hill clean and making it greener,” he said. More than 1,000 citizens of Mysuru have signed an online petition in change.org voicing their concern for Chamundi hills.