The revival of the demand for the ropeway project to Chamundi Hills and the ongoing construction works on the hilltop have raised serious ecological concerns among a cross section of citizens of Mysuru.
Expressing dismay over what was termed as ecological vandalism of Chamundi Hills, citizens’ groups and individuals have feared that the environmental and cultural landmark, which acts as a lung space and watershed for the city, may cease to exist given the current spate of construction works justified on the grounds of development.
While the stakeholders from the tourism sector revived the demand for the ropeway in an interaction with Tourism Minister S.R. Mahesh this week, the breakneck speed with which a slew of new facilities, approved by the State government, is altering the landscape of Chamundi Hills.
U.N. Ravikumar, an environmentalist and proponent of eco-friendly alternative technologies, said in the quest for tourism promotion, the importance of Chamundi Hills as a biodiversity hotspot, as a watershed for Mysuru that also regulates microclimatic conditions, has been forgotten.
“It’s also a major groundwater recharge zone and it is imperative to declare a buffer zone at the hilltop and at the foothills to regulate unbridled growth,” he said. What was once a pristine hills has turned into a concrete jungle and the ropeway can only hasten its destruction,” said Mr. Ravikumar
Ashvini Ranjan, member, Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP), said the need of the hour was the constitution of a hill conservation authority with a legal mandate to ensure the protection of Chamundi Hills and its environment. “At this rate of so-called development, Chamundi Hills will cease to exist and the forests will be supplanted by concrete structures,” he said.
The MGP had filed a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court, which directed the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to file a reply. The MoEFCC is yet to act on it.
Meanwhile, a shopping complex, with nearly 600 shops is coming up as part of rehabilitation of local vendors catering to pilgrims and tourists. “The scene is beyond shock and should shake the conscience of the public,” Mr. Ranjan said.
Other works
The other construction works pertain to a multi-storeyed parking complex whose utility on the hilltop is not only questionable but could have been avoided only if there was regulation of private vehicles going to the hilltop. “This is how the crowd is managed during the Ashada Shukravara when there is an unprecedented surge in the number of pilgrims and tourists visiting Chamundi Hills. The same system should be in force throughout the year, which will obviate the need for multi-storeyed parking complex,” according to D. Rajkumar of Wildlife Conservation Foundation.
