Concerned Mysureans say no to Bommai’s ‘Prasad’ for Chamundi development

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Several citizens of Mysuru are unhappy with the slew of development works initiated by the state government at Chamundi Hill, the abode of Goddess Chamundeshwari; the presiding deity of the erstwhile Mysore Kingdom, under ‘ Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD), a Government of India programme.

Chief Minister, Basavaraj Bommai has proposed taking up of new work atop Chamundi Hill in the state budget for FY 2023-24 which was presented last week. Already, the state government has spoilt the serenity of Chamundi Hill by constructing a parking lot unscientifically. The development of layouts atop the hill has been going on with or without the blessings of local politicians.

Now, the number of residents atop the hills runs into a few thousand because of unbridled construction of houses. Last year, Co-Operation & District-In-Charge Minister S.T.Somashekar spoke about vacating the residents of the hill and relocating them elsewhere. But he withdrew the statement after a backlash from his partymen.

A few months, citizens held a series of meetings in Mysuru after several portions of the hill caved in due to increased human activities such as unchecked construction of concrete structures atop the hill, road widening, allowing vehicles till the hilltop and the mushrooming of houses in the surrounding areas of Chamundi Temple. The government and local elected representatives have been pushing for the ropeway which was opposed by the greens.

Even the project to provide a metal shelter for climbers of 1001 steps to reach the top too was also shelved after people protested. With the Government of India providing funds for the development of important shrines across the country, the Karnataka government wants to use the funds for further construction.

Scientists have warned against further concretization of Chamundi Hill and stressed on the need to undertake carrying capacity tests. But the government was not interested in this test. Residents have urged the government not to propose any further development on the hilltop and to vacate everyone who has been staying there except the families of priests.