The district administration is yet to take a call on total restriction on the movement of private vehicles to Chamundi Hills during Dasara though a proposal to this affect has been received by it.
The proposal was made to regulate and minimise traffic congestion and avoid parking woes in anticipation of a surge in the number of tourists and pilgrims visiting the hills during Dasara.
But Deputy Commissioner D. Randeep said no decision has been taken on banning the movement of private vehicles though a proposal has been received. He said it will be discussed and restrictions may be imposed on specific days during Dasara depending on the crowd. But this was yet to be decided. The issue of traffic regulation is gaining relevance in recent years owing to a gradual increase in the number of pilgrims. It has also emerged as one of the most popular tourist destination with visitors from across the country flocking to the shrine.
Such restrictions are in place during Ashada to avoid parking woes and tourists and pilgrims are directed to the parking lot near the Lalitha Mahal helipad from where KSRTC buses ferry them to the hilltop. This arrangement worked well during Ashada given the unprecedented crowding when Chamundi Hills tends to be swarming with people. Besides, the wait in the serpentine queue to gain entry into the main precinct tends to last for hours. However, the rush witnessed during Ashada is limited only to that particular month or season and hence there is a perception that restricting the movement of private vehicles during Dasara may not be necessary.
Incidentally, such a restriction was introduced during Dasara last year. However, the authorities had to rescind the move within three days of imposing the ban as the pilgrim and tourists flow to the temple registered a steep fall.
