Mysuru Royalty and Legislator Rally Behind Chamundi Hills Conservation Movement
In a significant development for environmental activism in Karnataka, Mysuru royal family matriarch Pramoda Devi Wadiyar and Melukote MLA Darshan Puttannaiah have publicly announced their participation in Sunday's protest walk to Chamundi betta. This marks the second such demonstration in recent weeks against the controversial PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) works being undertaken on the sacred hill.
Growing Opposition to Development Activities
The prominent figures have extended their support to the ongoing Save Chamundi Hills campaign, which has gained substantial momentum among citizens and environmental groups. Parashurame Gowda, general secretary of People for Environment, revealed that permanent structures are currently being constructed atop the betta despite court orders prohibiting such activities.
Experts have raised serious concerns about the ongoing development works near the Chamundeshwari Temple, warning that these activities could pose a significant threat to the historic shrine and its iconic Rajagopuram. According to environmental assessments, soil has been filled between large boulders to level the area, creating a dangerous situation where these boulders might slip and potentially endanger the temple structure.
Heritage Violations and Environmental Concerns
Heritage conservationists emphasize that both the Mahabaleshwara Temple and the Chamundeshwari Temple are protected heritage structures under government regulations. Official guidelines mandate that no construction activity should be carried out within a 100-metre radius of their periphery, but activists allege these regulations are being systematically violated.
Environmental organizations have expressed alarm about the cumulative impact of development on Chamundi Hill. Over the past 25 years, excessive construction of houses and buildings has occurred without proper assessment of the hill's carrying capacity or comprehensive environmental impact studies. Parashurame Gowda noted that despite Chamundi Hill being officially declared a protected forest area, the district administration continues to permit construction works on the hill.
Broad-Based Support for Sunday's Protest
The protest walk is scheduled to begin at 7:30 AM and has garnered support from numerous organizations including Mysuru Grahakara Parishat (MGP), Team Mysuru, RLHP, PUCL, and Belavala Foundation. The demonstration will feature participation from prominent citizens including Bhamy Shenoy, Dharmendra Kumar, NS Rangaraju, Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha president Badagalapura Nagendra, Ramakrishnappa, Kamal Gopinath, and Saraswathi K.
Hundreds of concerned residents are expected to join what organizers describe as a silent protest against the development activities. The growing coalition of royal family members, elected representatives, environmental groups, and citizens reflects deepening concerns about preserving Mysuru's cultural heritage and natural environment against what they perceive as unsustainable development pressures.
