Chamarajanagar MP and former Minister V. Srinivas Prasad has expressed his opposition to the proposed ropeway to Chamundi Hills and has written to Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai to reconsider the project on the grounds that it was inimical to the environment.
This has given a boost to the cause of environmentalists and a large section of the citizens who have launched a ‘’Save Chamundi Hills’’ movement and are opposing the ropeway.
In a letter dated March 25, Mr. Srinivas Prasad made it clear that the opposition to the project was not without its merits and highlighted the fragile ecology of Chamundi Hills and its environment.
He said that when he was the Revenue Minister in 2015, he had sanctioned funds for taking up development works atop Chamundi Hills including creating dormitory, commercial complex for vendors, toilets etc. The works were slated to come up on a 8.04 acre of land but soon after there was a landslide following which he personally inspected the site.
‘’What was disconcerting was that the Fforest Department officials were oblivious of the works sanctioned nor was permission sought from them after which I stopped the works’’, he added. But subsequently, Mr. Srinivas Prasad was dropped from the ministry and the works were completed.
The letter to the CM states that Chamundi Hills is a natural heritage of Mysuru and the rulers of Mysuru had taken up development works for the benefit of the pilgrims including construction of steps and laying of road.
He said one could approach the hill top within 20 minutes from Mysuru city while there were two other approach roads as well besides the steps. Given the connectivity, the ropeway was not essential and on the contrary it posed a threat to the fragile environment of the area, said Mr. Srinivas Prasad.
He went on to say that no further construction works should be sanctioned atop Chamundi Hills.
Drawing attention to the existing facilities for vehicle parking, drinking water, toilets and shops for vendors, Mr.Srinivas Prasad said it was more than adequate. ‘’Any new project should be taken up only if necessary and in harmony with local environment. But a ropeway which is inimical to the environment was not necessary’.’
The project was announced by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai in the State Budget and it is to be proposed under the Parvata Mala scheme of the Centre. However, NGOs and citizens have expressed their opposition to it on environmental grounds and a campaign has been launched to stop the project. A signature campaign too has gained traction though a section of stakeholders from the tourism sector are in favour of it.
