Seers join environmental groups in walk to ‘Save Chamundi Hills’

Religious leaders from several mutts joined environmental activists and concerned citizens at the foot of Chamundi Hills on January 4 morning for a symbolic walk up the historical steps to protest the “increasing commercialisation and ecological degradation of the hills”.

Various organisations and individuals held placards in English and Kannada that condemned what they called the “unscientific” development of the area.

Participants climbed the steps to protest the hill’s “loss of ecological balance and spiritual sanctity owing to unchecked commercialisation and inappropriate development projects”.

Shivakumar Swami of Nandiveri Mutt, Gadag, who joined the march, criticised the “concrete jungle” taking shape atop Chamundi Hills. Stressing the importance of protecting the environment and maintaining the hill’s cleanliness, the seer declared that environmental protection is both “dharma” and “service to spirituality”.

Other religious leaders who participated included Nijalingananda Swami of Nidasosi Mutt, Belagavi, Basavarajendra Swami of Kesvathur Mutt, Hassan, Mallesh Swami of Torenuru Mutt, Kodagu, and Jayadeva Swami of Chilume Mutt, Hassan.

Prominent figures among the hundreds of participants included A.T. Ramaswamy, former MLA who leads the environmental group Parisarakkagi Naavu, M.K. Somashekar, former MLA, S.G. Vombatkere, retired Major General, N.S. Rangaraju, retired University of Mysore professor of ancient history and archaeology, Bhamy V. Shenoy of Mysore Grahakara Parishat, environmentalist Vasanthkumar Mysoremath, BJP leader Kautilya Raghu, and Kamal Gopinath from the People’s Union of Civil Liberties.

After climbing more than 1,000 steps, participants gathered opposite Subbanna High School, where refreshments were served and speakers addressed the crowd.

Parashurame Gowda of Parisara Balaga, which organised the event, described Chamundi Hills as an iconic Mysuru landmark revered as the abode of Goddess Chamundeshwari, noting that it is a protected forest area which is home to diverse flora and fauna.

He said Chamundi Hills has lost its ecological balance and religious sanctity owing to multiple factors. “Everywhere, one can see toy shops, eateries, pushcarts, noise and chaos, plastic waste, and heaps of garbage. The cleanliness and serenity that should prevail around a temple and in a forest is no longer visible. Hundreds of residential and commercial buildings have mushroomed, and vehicular traffic has increased excessively,” he added.

Mr. Gowda also raised concerns about development works proposed under the PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme. “How much burden can a small hill really bear? What is its carrying capacity? Without scientifically determining this, is it right to undertake more construction activities under the PRASHAD scheme?” he questioned, adding, “If this continues, experts warn that the hill will inevitably face serious dangers.”