Mysore/Mysuru: Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrapped up his busy 16-hour visit to Mysuru, where he connected with prominent Lingayat and Hindu communities.

He participated in the Suttur Jathra Mahotsava and engaged with community leaders and spiritual figures. He also visited Sri Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hill, where he offered special prayers.

During the high-profile visit of Shah, public access to the Temple was restricted starting from 1.55 pm until Shah left the premises. Additionally, vehicle movement to and from the Temple was also prohibited during this time.

The VVIP arrived at the Mysore Airport yesterday at 2.40 am and after completing his engagements in Mysuru, left the city for Ahmedabad in an IAF aircraft at 6.40 pm. After participating in the Suttur Jathra, Amit Shah’s convoy drove to Chamundi Temple at 2.35 pm and was accorded a ‘Poornakummbha’ welcome. 

Chief Priest Shashishekar Dikshit led Amit Shah to the sanctum sanctorum where he performed special pujas to the deity. The Union Home Minister was given the  traditional ‘phala thamboola’.

He spent over 15 minutes inside the temple complex and waved at the crowd gathered outside as his cavalcade left. 

Before Amit Shah arrived at the Chamundi Temple, his wife Sonal Shah offered prayers to the deity at 12.30 pm. Following the Sankalpa and Archane rituals, Sonal Shah accepted the Prasadam.

Afterwards, she visited the Shuka Vana at Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ashram on Nanjangud Road. Impressed by the exotic collection of birds, Sonal Shah fed them and had herself photographed with them.

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Impact on local environment and ecosystem will be studied, says Tourism Minister

Mysore/Mysuru: Facing intense condemnation and widespread criticism from various environmental groups and activists who underscore the potential harm to the fragile ecosystem if the Chamundi Hill ropeway project is implemented, Tourism Minister H.K. Patil stated that a final decision on the ropeway proposal would be made only after a thorough examination of its pros and cons.

Acknowledging the objections raised by environmental activists concerning development projects on Chamundi Hill, Patil expressed understanding of their sentiments. “The project is before the Government and a suitable decision will be taken,” he told reporters here on Saturday.

Patil was speaking after inaugurating a photo exhibition on the Prehistoric Ruins of Karnataka at the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage (DAMH) where he addressed the concerns surrounding the proposed ropeway project.

The Minister said that while the proposal is currently awaiting Government consideration, it has faced both serious objections and support from various quarters. He stated, “We will thoroughly analyse the pros and cons of the project, assessing its impact on the local environment and ecosystem, before arriving at a decision. Discussions will also be held with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the District Minister H.C. Mahadevappa.”

Additionally, the Minister highlighted the importance of consulting experts to determine the feasibility of the ropeway from a heritage conservation standpoint.

Furthermore, Patil mentioned that the State Government has taken steps to establish Chamundi Hill Development Authority on the lines of Sri Male Mahadeshwara Swamy Kshetra Development Authority, which will be tasked with overseeing the comprehensive conservation and development of the area.

He also disclosed that the Cabinet has approved a proposal for the development of Chamundi Hill, allocating over Rs. 45 crore under the Central Government’s Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme.

Regarding the promotion of the 13th-century Keshava Temple at Somnathpur, designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in September 2023, the Minister acknowledged that establishing facilities takes time and cannot happen overnight. However, he assured that temporary measures would be initiated for the immediate benefit of tourists. Additionally, Minister Patil expressed his intention to engage in discussions with relevant department officials to assess the urgent requirements and explore how they could be implemented.

“I am not aware of the KSRTC providing minimal bus service to Somnathpur. I will also hold discussions with the senior officials of the KSRTC on improving connectivity to Somnathpur to enhance tourist footfalls,” he said.

Tourism Department Secretary Salma K. Fahim, Department of Archaeology Museums and Heritage Commissioner A. Devaraju, Executive Secretary of JSS Mahavidyapeetha Dr. C.G. Betsurmath and others were present.

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Mysore/Mysuru: Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simmha emphasised the potential use of funds held by the Chamundi Temple Management Committee to revitalise heritage temples facing dilapidation. He regretted that the State Govt. has not taken any step so far to renovate and rejuvenate heritage temples that need urgent restoration.

The MP was speaking to reporters during the cleaning drive organised at Sri Kodandaramaswamy Temple on M.G. Road this morning. The temple was cleaned today by BJP workers as part of the major cleaning campaign launched in the run up to the Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya on Jan. 22.

“There are over 400 historic and sacred temples in Mysuru that need renovation and these temples are an integral part of Mysuru’s culture and tradition and held in high reverence by people. Rs. 130 crore is lying with the Chamundi Temple Management Committee and this fund can be utilised to renovate the temples. I have discussed the issue with MLA T.S. Srivatsa and will meet the Deputy Commissioner soon seeking release for funds,” Pratap Simmha said.

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Escalating problem at a place of worship ignored by Gram Panchayat, say environment activists

The authorities maintaining Chamundi Hill appear to be grappling with an uphill battle against the uncontrollable waste crisis plaguing the place of worship, a prominent centre for religious tourism in the city.

Plastic waste, in particular, has accumulated across the Hilltop, forcing visitors to uncomfortably close their nostrils to escape the unpleasant odour emanating from the discarded refuse.

Upon arrival at the Hill shrine, tourists are met with various types of litter scattered around, showcasing a blatant disregard for the environment. Both the Chamundi Hill Gram Panchayat and the Forest Department (in areas that come under its jurisdiction) seem uncommitted to addressing this long-standing issue, leaving the authorities seemingly indifferent to the problem.

Environmentalists express their frustration at the authorities’ inaction, emphasising the urgency of tackling the waste menace. For example, vendors at the Hilltop sell a considerable number of tender coconuts, reaching up to 1,000 units per day. The discarded coconut shells are left strewn at the parking lot on the Hill.

Temple management takes the load

Despite the lack of initiative from the Gram Panchayat, the Chamundeshwari Temple management authorities have taken it upon themselves to clear the discarded coconut shells, striving to maintain a clean and tidy environment. However, vendors continue to dump coconut shells at the same location, highlighting the persistent nature of the problem.

The issue extends beyond the immediate vicinity of the Temple, as three connecting roads from the Nandi Statue side, Uttanahalli and Devikere are also grappling with the waste menace, indicating a broader problem that demands urgent attention.

Forest Department penalties

On Sept. 1, 2023, the Forest Department initiated a campaign to transform Chamundi Hill into a plastic-free zone. Shopkeepers were explicitly warned of penalties for selling plastic carry bags, with fines set at Rs. 1,000 for the first offence, Rs. 5,000 for the second offence and Rs. 10,000 for the third offence.

The Department went further, threatening to suspend trade licences and seal shops if shopkeepers failed to comply with the directive. An awareness drive was conducted from Sept. 1 to 5, 2023, during which zero fine receipts were issued to offenders, accompanied by warnings of impending penalties.

This initiative gained significant media attention, and as a result, visitors and tourists refrained from bringing plastic carry bags to the Hill. However, the recent discovery of plastic within waste heaps on the Hill has sparked criticism, with some mocking the Forest Department for not specifying actions against plastic waste in its announcements.

In addition to plastic, liquor bottles are strewn across the Hill and used food plates litter the area around Devikere, a lake whose water is still utilised by priests for religious rituals at the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple on the Hill. 

Of grave concern is the presence of stray cattle feeding on plastic, highlighting a distressing lack of commitment from authorities to address a situation that reflects a negligent attitude among officials. The urgency to address these environmental issues remains paramount.

Gram Panchayat must clean waste, prevent dumping, says RFO

The Forest Department has washed its hands off the Chamundi Hill plastic and waste menace and said that the Department has no jurisdiction over the concrete areas of the Hill and it is the responsibility of the Chamundi Hill Gram Panchayat to clean the areas. 

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Chamundi Hill Range Forest Officer (RFO) Dhanyashree said that cleaning waste and preventing the Hill from being a dump yard is the responsibility of the Gram Panchayat. “We only penalise and take action against those who illegally enter the forest areas of the Hill. We also take action against people who unnecessarily park their vehicles on the road from the Chamundi foothill to the top in the wooded areas,” she said.

When asked about the plastic-free zone campaign initiated by the Forest Department in September 2023, the RFO said that the Gram Panchayat must have taken over the campaign and penalised people bringing plastic to the Hill. “We initiated the campaign and we don’t have the resources to continue it and are busy with summer fire-prevention activities. Rather, the Gram Panchayat must have continued it,”  Dhanyashree added.

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Mysore/Mysuru: On the dawn of the New Year today, Mysuru city witnessed a profound connection with spirituality as a multitude of residents and tourists flocked to various temples in and around the city, seeking divine blessings for the year ahead.

Prominent temples such as Sri Chamundeshwari Temple atop the Chamundi Hill, Tripurasundari Jwalamukhi Temple at Uthanahalli, Sri Yoganarasimhaswamy Temple, Srilaksmivenkataramanaswamy Temple at Vontikoppal, Sri Chandramouleshwara Temple at Mathrumandali Circle, Bandantamma Temple in Kuvempunagar, all the temples at Mysore Palace premises including the Trineshwaraswamy Temple, witnessed queues early in the morning.

Other temples such as Srikanteshwaraswamy Temple in Nanjangud, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Nimishamba Temple at Srirangapatna and Gunjanarasimhaswamy Temple in T. Narasipura also experienced a surge in visitors, making them focal points for  New Year prayers.

The revered Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, known for religious tourism, witnessed a sea of devotees presenting their vows and paying obeisance to the presiding deity. Devotees lined up outside the temple eagerly awaiting entry and many of them had come before the break of the dawn. All the devotee queues that led to the sanctum sanctorum were jam-packed and the crowd managers had a tough time regulating the people.

Devotees expressed their common prayer for a peaceful and prosperous life in the coming year, forming serpentine queues outside the temple.

Similar scenes unfolded at other prominent temples such as 101 Ganapathi Temple at Agrahara, Sri Raghavendraswamy Temple at Jayalakshmipuram, Ganapathi Temples at Paduvarahalli, Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ashram, Chamundeshwari Temple at Surya Bakery Circle and Annapoorneshwari Temple at Hebbal.

The roads leading to Sri Yoganarasimhaswamy Temple at Vijayanagar witnessed a substantial gathering of devotees, with two lakh specially prepared laddoos distributed to sweeten the New Year mood. Devotees braved the cold and formed serpentine queues outside the Temple from as early as 4 am. 

The Srikanteshwara Temple in Nanjangud drew over 20,000 devotees by 11 am, with authorities anticipating the crowd to reach 50,000 by evening.

Despite challenges, including slow-moving traffic, the Police worked diligently to control the crowd and ensure a peaceful and blessed beginning to  the New Year.

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Mysore/Mysuru: Following the renewed demand for building a ropeway to Chamundi Hill in the city made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, a delegation of environmentalists and writers from the city will be meeting the CM in Bengaluru in first week of January 2024.

Environmentalist Parashurame Gowda of Parisara Balaga, who addressed media persons on behalf of Chamundi Betta Ulisi Samiti at Patrakarthara Bhavana here this morning said “We have sought time to meet the CM and explain him with regard to ropeway issue. We are most likely to get the appointment of CM Siddaramaiah  on Jan. 2 or 3. Besides, we will also meet the members of Mysuru Hotel Owners Association and explain them about the ecological sensitivity of Chamundi Hill.”

Reiterating his vehement opposition to connect Chamundi Hill by a ropeway, Parashurame Gowda said “The lofty hill is the identity of Mysuru and should take steps to preserve its religious significance. The ropeway proposal was first made during the tenure of Chief Minister Ramakrishna Hegde and the green lovers have been voicing against the plan since then. A Forest Officer of Mysuru had also submitted a report to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) in Bengaluru against ropeway plan in 2012.”

Chamundi Betta Ulisi Samiti had also collected 70,000 signatures online, besides eliciting the opinions of several others through personal interactions in February-March 2022. In continuance, a Round Table meeting had been organised at JSS Women’s College auditorium, Saraswathipuram on Apr. 3, 2022, where experts had shared their apprehension over the said project. Even Royal Family member Pramoda Devi Wadiyar had expressed her resentment.

Writer Prof. Kalegowda Nagawara said “Mysuru is the second most tourist spot after Agra in New Delhi, visited by the tourists. Chamundi Hill also has health benefits, hence the aesthetics should be maintained without any disturbance.”

Heritage expert Prof.N.S. Rangaraju clarified that we are not opposed to tourism development, but averse to any destructive plans in the name of tourism development. Most importantly, there is no need for a ropeway to Chamundi Hill, but the one that definitely needs a Ropeway is Madhugiri Hill in Tumakuru.

Progressive thinker Prof. Kalachanne Gowda, Parisara Balaga Member Bhagya Shankar and model Mallamma Ganigi also spoke at the press meet, sharing their views on the issue.

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CM’s statement on controversial project sparks renewed debate amid environmental concerns

Mysore/Mysuru: Over 17 months have elapsed since the previous BJP Government shelved the controversial ropeway project to Chamundi Hill, facing strong opposition from environmentalists, nature enthusiasts and the general public. However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has reignited the discourse by declaring the Congress Government’s readiness to proceed with the project.

Nonetheless, the Chief Minister emphasised the need for environmentalists to refrain from opposing the project. “I proposed it long ago, but encountered opposition from green activists and other stakeholders. If we are to proceed with the ropeway this time, it should face no opposition,” stated Siddaramaiah.

The Chief Minister made these remarks during the valedictory of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Hotel Owners Credit Co-operative Society, hosted by the Hotel Owners’ Association and Hotel Owners Charitable Trust at Bunts Community Hall in Vijayanagar Second Stage last evening.

Highlighting the significance of the hospitality and hotel industry in fostering tourism activities in Mysuru, Siddaramaiah mentioned, “We have introduced several schemes beneficial to the tourism sector. Initially, I envisioned constructing the ropeway atop Chamundi Hill to attract more tourists. Unfortunately, the proposal encountered severe opposition. Nevertheless, we remain prepared to proceed with the ropeway, provided there is no opposition. I urge you to persuade them to support the project,” he conveyed to the office-bearers and members of the Hotel Owners’ Association.

Regarding the Film City project in Mysuru, Siddaramaiah affirmed, “I was the first person to propose the Film City in Mysuru  and there is no change in plans; it will be built here. I have already allocated funds in the budget and the project will become a reality. The location will remain unchanged at any cost.”

Expressing the State Government’s commitment to developing Mysuru as a cultural capital and a tourism hub, he stated, “The Government is dedicated to this cause, and all necessary cooperation will be provided. I firmly believe in ‘Athithi Devobhava,’ where tourists are treated well and provided with all facilities. The hotel and hospitality industry has been doing a commendable job for ages and deserves appreciation.”

The Chief Minister emphasised the importance of extending support to the film and tourism sectors, aligning with the broader vision of enhancing Mysuru’s cultural significance and appeal to tourists.

District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, MLAs Tanveer Sait and T.S. Srivatsa, former MLA M.K. Somasekhar, senior Congress leader K. Marigowda, former MUDA Chairman C. Basavegowda, Hotel Owners Association Hon. Secretary G.K Shetty, President of Mysuru Hotel Owners’ Association C. Narayanagowda, President of Hotel Owners’ Charitable Trust Ravi Shastri, President of Hotel Owners’ Co-operative Society Narayan V. Hegade, Vice-President Anandshetty, directors and office-bearers of the Association were present.

July 2022 decision on ropeway project

It is worth noting that in July 2022, the previous Basavaraj Bommai Govt. had revoked the ropeway project, acknowledging the imperative to preserve nature and the environment.  Environmental activists contended that the ropeway would adversely impact the environment, leading to an ecological imbalance. They advocated for Chamundi Hill to remain a sacred site, asserting that there was no necessity for tourism development.

Emphasising that any tourism initiatives on the Hill would gradually erode the green space, environmental advocates asserted that the Govt. should commit to preserving the ecology and respecting public sentiment opposing the project. They advocated for Chamundi Hill to be maintained as a site for worship and pilgrimage rather than transforming it into a tourist attraction.

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Former Cricketer and currently BCCI National Head Coach Rahul Dravid, who was in Mysuru city along with his wife Dr. Vijeta, to watch their son Samit Dravid play BCCI Under-19 Cooch Behar National Cricket Tournament, hosted by Mysuru Zone of Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), at SDNR (Srikantadatta Narasimharaja) Wadiyar Stadium in Manasagangothri, since Dec. 1, visited Chamundi Hill Temple on Saturday. Hill Temple Chief Priest Shashishekar Dixit is seen with the Dravid couple. Team Karnataka, which defeated Uttarakhand yesterday, will play Uttar Pradesh in their next match at the same venue (SDNR Wadiyar Stadium) from Dec. 8 to Dec. 11.

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Mysore/Mysuru: The annual Mahabhisheka to the statue of Nandi atop Chamundi Hill, organised by Bettada Balaga Charitable Trust during Karthika Masa, was performed for the 18th year this morning in the presence of Seers and hundreds of devotees.

According to the tradition, 32 puja articles including milk, curd, honey, tender coconut, flowers, coins, sugarcane juice, turmeric, vermilion, etc. were used to perform the Mahabhisheka to the                           Monolithic Bull.

After the conclusion of Mahabhisheka, during which the Nandi Statue mired in hues of colours, Jalabhisheka (Washing with Water) was performed, following which the statue was decorated with a variety of flowers.

Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, Hosmutt Seer Sri Chidananda Swamiji and other Seers graced the occasion. Trust President S. Prakashan, Secretary N. Govinda, Treasurer V.N. Sundar, office-bearers Shivakumar, Abhishek and others were present.

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Mysore/Mysuru: A 65-year-old devotee lost his toe after a bull stamped his feet atop Chamundi Hill yesterday.

The elderly devotee was standing in front of Chamundeshwari Temple when the bull ran in between the crowd, stamping the feet of the devotee in the process resulting in the toe getting severed from his foot.

Shocked on seeing blood oozing out from his foot, the elderly man collapsed on the spot and those who had come with him rushed him to a hospital in city, locals said.

Expressing shock over the incident, local residents said that it was not the first time that devotees coming to the temple were facing such problems. Earlier too, incidents of devotees getting injured by cattle have taken place and despite bring it to the notice of the Temple Administration Board several times, no action was taken. “Who knows, loss of lives may also take place in future,” they said.

Pointing out that whenever there is an increase in the number of cattle atop the hill as devotees, as part of their vow donate cows and calves, the cattle used to be caught and sent to Pinjrapole, local residents said that now, the number of cattle has increased and there is a fear of leopards attacking these cattle.

They said that steps should be taken to provide facility to take care of these cattle by collecting a nominal amount from the devotees who donate cows and calves and urged the Temple Administration Board to take immediate steps in this regard.

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