Ropeway proposal for Mullayyanagiri attracts criticism from environmentalists in Chikkamagaluru

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s proposal to build a ropeway connecting Mullayanagiri and Seethalayyanagiri in the Chandradrona range of the Western Ghats in Chikkamagaluru taluk has attracted criticism from environmentalists. They have opposed the proposal stating that any such development will harm the pristine nature and disturb the wildlife.

Mr. Siddaramaiah, in his budget presented on March 6, stated that a ropeway would be constructed connecting tourist locations Mullayyanagiri, Seethalayyanagiri and Kaimara in Chikkamagaluru taluk to develop the tourism sector in the region. He has proposed to take up the project in the public-private partnership model.

The project was proposed earlier during the BJP rule, when Basavaraj Bommai was the Chief Minister. Representatives of private agencies, with experience of executing such projects, visited the spot and conducted a preliminary survey. However, the proposal did not proceed further.

M.R. Lohith, Assistant Director of Tourism in Chikkamagaluru, told The Hindu that the past proposal did not take off, except for visits by representatives of a private agency. “The CM has proposed the project in the budget once again. So far, we too have only that much of information. A feasibility study needs to be conducted before taking up the project,” the officer said.

Mullayyanagiri is 1,930 metres above sea level, and is the tallest peak in Karnataka. Hundreds of people visit the place. Roads leading to the hill are busy on weekends. The district administration has placed restrictions on the number of visitors to avoid untoward incidents in the area, which is vulnerable to landslides during heavy rains.

S. Girijashankar, an environmentalist and former member of the State Wildlife Board, said that the ropeway is an unnecessary project. “It is a sensitive area, and the government should not take up any project that increases the footfall. Activities like ropeways are only intended for merrymaking, which may end up disturbing the wildlife. The project hardly helps the local people in any way. We oppose it strongly,” he said.

G. Veeresh, a wildlife activist from Chikkamagaluru, said the BJP government did not proceed with the project considering the opposition from environmentalists. “The present government should withdraw the proposal. The site, where the project has been proposed, is a highly sensitive area and witnesses activity by many wild animals, including tigers. We oppose any project that harms the environment,” he stated. He added that environmentalists are ready for a legal battle, if necessary.