‘Somu halts Singh’s ‘PRASAD’ for Chamundi

By Shyam Sundar Vattam/NT

Bengaluru: There is strong opposition to the Rs  100 crore proposal submitted by  the tourism department  under Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive  (PRASAD), a Government  of India scheme for the  development of Chamundi Hills. Even the Mysuru  royal family scion, Yadveer  Krishnadatta Chamaraja  Wadiyar, has signed the  online petition against the  scheme. Why is the state  government hell-bent on  the project?

I am aware of the sentiments of Mysureans,  environmentalists and  members of the Mysuru  royal family. After coming  to know about the opposition to the Rs 100 crore  scheme, I spoke to Tourism  Minister Anand Singh and  told him not to pursue the  project without consulting stakeholders. I believe  in having a free and frank  debate with the people concerned and it will be done  once the poll code of conduct is withdrawn. I have  told Singh to come to Mysuru for a discussion. Till  then, there is no question  of pursuing the project.

Do you mean to say that  the project will be put on  hold temporarily?

Yes. You are right. Except for the repair work  of the road where three  landslides have occurred  in the last 15 days, no other  work will be allowed by  any department atop Chamundi Hills. Projects of  such nature require a lot  of consultation since the  conservation of Chamundi  Hill which is rich in biodiversity, is at stake. I assure  Mysureans that no new  work will be taken up without holding a public hearing. Like Mysureans, I too  am interested in protecting  and preserving Chamundi  Hills, the abode of Goddess  Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of the Mysore  kings.

Were local elected representatives consulted before taking up such a big  project?

I don’t know since the  proposal had gone from the  tourism department to the  Union government seeking funds under PRASAD  scheme. But the hills come  under Chamundeshwari  constituency and the sitting MLA, G.T. Deve Gowda  and other MLAs and MLCs  have to be consulted before  taking up such projects. I  have issued directions to  the authorities concerned  not to proceed till the Council polls are over.

A majority of Mysureans  have demanded the constitution of Chamundi  Hill Development Board  or an Authority to decide  on new projects and also  protect the hills as well as  surrounding areas. This  is because the local gram  panchayat is allowing several construction activities atop the hill.

I have received complaints against Chamundeshwari Gram Panchayat. I will discuss these  and the constitution of  Chamundi Hill Development Board or Authority  with the CM. It will then  be discussed with local  elected representatives. I  am collecting details about  the sanctions made by the  gram panchayat concerned  that have marred the beauty of the hill shrine. The  officers of Chamundi Temple will also be consulted  to know their stand on the  issue.

When Shobha Karandlaje  was rural development &  panchayat raj minister in  the Yediyurappa government in 2008, she had  recommended the suspension of the Chamundeshari  Gram Panchayat for allotting land in eco-sensitive  zones, without bringing  it to the notice of the government. Besides, it had  allowed the mushrooming  of houses atop the Hill.

I have asked the authorities concerned to provide  all the information during  my next visit. After collection of evidence, it will be  placed before the CM for  necessary action.