Environmentalists oppose new projects atop Chamundi Hills

MYSURU: Days after the development works proposed under the ambitious Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) at an estimated cost of Rs 48.2 crore, heritage experts and greens raised their voice against the unscientific proposals atop Chamundi Hills.
They warned of protests if authorities continued with their plans in line with the anti-thermal power plant at Chamalapura carried out a few years ago.
The activists are opposing beautification and other concrete works atop the hills citing recent natural calamities across the country and the world. They urged the government to adopt a sustainable model of development.
Save Chamundi Betta Committee members alleged that all the ongoing works atop of the hills must be stopped immediately.
"We are not against the development. We are against the commercialization of Chamundi Hills," said NS Rangaraju, heritage expert.
"The pressure on the hills is now increased due to the concrete works like commercial centres, parking building, new houses etc. We want the government to listen to the people, devotees, and experts," he said.
This hill has historical importance. Now under PRASAD scheme, new works to promote tourism have been proposed. If these works are implemented, it will result in the destruction of the hill, he said. He rued that Devi Kere has been developed like a modern lake which is not necessary. Converting the hill into a tourism spot is highly condemnable, he said.
The committee members present at the press meet said if the state and central government continues with the development projects atop the hills, they will launch an agitation.