The Mysuru forest department has proposed imposing a Green Cess on private vehicles entering Chamundi Hill to curb plastic waste and protect the fragile ecosystem. Despite collecting Rs 3.26 lakh in fines from 390 cases in 2025-26, visitors continue to discard plastic and violate the ban, prompting the department to seek stricter measures.
Proposal for Green Cess
According to forest officials, the Green Cess would be levied on all private vehicles entering the hill, with the revenue used for waste management, afforestation, and conservation efforts. The proposal is currently under review by the state government.
Current Enforcement and Challenges
In the current fiscal year, the department has registered 390 cases and collected Rs 3.26 lakh in fines. However, officials note that the fines have not deterred visitors from littering. “People continue to bring plastic items despite the ban. The fine alone is not enough; we need a more sustainable solution like a Green Cess,” said a senior forest officer.
Impact on Chamundi Hill
Chamundi Hill, a popular tourist and pilgrimage site, faces severe environmental pressure from increasing vehicular traffic and waste. The proposed cess aims to fund regular clean-up drives and install more waste bins. Environmentalists have welcomed the move, emphasizing the need for long-term conservation.
Next Steps
The forest department will submit a detailed proposal to the state government, including the cess amount and collection mechanism. If approved, it could set a precedent for other eco-sensitive zones in Karnataka.
