Mysuru: A campaign demanding the conservation of Chamundi Hills was organised by several organisations under the banner Parisarakkagi Naavu on Sunday.Thousands of city residents, including children, climbed the Chamundi Hills steps and urged the state govt and Mysuru district administration to impose a complete ban on all commercial activities on the hills.The protest was led by Parisarakkagi Naavu state president and former legislator AT Ramaswamy. Religious leaders Shivakumara Swami of Kappattagudda Nandiveri Mutt, Nijalingeshwara Swami of Nidasosi Mutt, Basavarajendra Swami of Kesavattur Mutt, and Mallesha Swami of Torenuru Mutt participated in the agitation.Former MLA MK Somashekhar and environmental activist Krupakar were present. The participants climbed the steps wearing green bands as a symbol of environmental protection.Children, youth, and people from all walks of life participated in the protest, carrying placards and raising slogans demanding immediate conservation and protection of the betta. They urged the state govt to demolish all encroachments and safeguard the hill. The agitators alleged that commercial activities were severely damaging the sensitive ecosystem of the Chamundi Hills, which is a protected zone.Speaking on the occasion, Shivakumara Swami of Kappattagudda said that protecting the State’s ecology was the responsibility of every Kannadiga. “If the betta remains pollution-free, clean, and green, the goddess will continue to reside here,” he said, adding that a massive people’s movement was necessary to save the Chamundi Hills.Nijalingeshwara Swami expressed concern over devotees themselves causing damage to the hills. He said it was unfortunate and stressed that the Chamundi Hills must be made completely garbage-free.Ramaswamy stated that the sacred nature of Chamundi Hills must be protected at all costs. “It is easy to destroy the hills, but it is impossible to create another Chamundi Hills,” he said.Highlighting the importance of the hill, he said Chamundi Hills has immense cultural and social significance and plays a crucial role in Mysuru’s water cycle. “Destroying the betta in the name of development is nothing but self-destruction,” he warned.Environmental activist Krupakar expressed serious concern, stating that Chamundi Hills existed even before the evolution of human beings. “Located at the southern tip of the Deccan Plateau, the hill is composed of pink granite rocks. The grasslands and lakes at the foothills are encroached upon. In the name of development, projects that were destructive to the environment were implemented,” he alleged.Parashurame Gowda, general secretary of People for Environment, Bhamy V Shenoy of Mysuru Grahakara Parishat, BJP leader R Raghu, KV Stanly, co-founder of Odanadi Seva Samsthe, and others were also part of the protest.
