Karnataka - Mysore   

`Save Chamundi Hills' campaign gains momentum

Special Correspondent

Several non-governmental organisations and concerned citizens have joined hands

MYSORE: The campaign to save Chamundi Hills from perilous development schemes has gained momentum with several non-governmental organisations and citizens coming together on a common platform.

The "Save Chamundi Hills" campaign has intensified following the recent statements by the Mysore district in-charge Minister D.T. Jayakumar reiterating his resolve to take up the ropeway project and brushed aside the opposition from environmentalists dubbing them as "anti-development".

The "Save Chamundi Hills" campaign has been strengthened with environmentalists from the Mysore Amateur Naturalists (MAN) and students from local engineering colleges and other educational institutions backing it.

In a memorandum addressed to the President, the Governor, the Chief Minister and other important persons involved in decision-making, the campaigners have argued that a ropeway will have an adverse impact on the environment of the hills and its environment that forms part of the green belt of Mysore. There has been heavy encroachment of forestland, and Mysore is in danger of losing its green cover.

It has been pointed out that there are three roads going up the hills. Buses are operated regularly for devotees and tourists. While some use private vehicles, only a few prefer to climb up the steps to reach the temple.

Impact

The activists have said that the ropeway is not only unnecessary but also undesirable as it will have an adverse impact on the environment. "Apart from clearance of a two-kilometre long and a 10-metre wide strip of forestland for the ropeway, the construction of pylons at a distance of every 50 metres will require additional forests to be cleared on the hillside," according to the campaigners.

"In addition, pathways have to be laid during the construction itself and there will further encroachment of forests for the construction of temporary quarters for workers," the campaigners have said.

(To be continued)

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