Mysuru Activists Urge Public Hearing Over Chamundi Hills Project Concerns
In Mysuru, activists opposing the multi-crore project work atop Chamundi Hills under the Pilgrimage, Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme have called for a public hearing. They allege that no scientific or geological studies were conducted before the project's implementation, urging the district administration to address these critical lapses.
RTI Revelation Exposes Lack of Geological Assessments
An RTI application filed by activist Ravishankar Bale, a retired engineer and resident of Yadavagiri, has brought to light significant gaps in the project's groundwork. Dated January 27, the application sought details on whether any geological stability study, geotechnical investigation, or equivalent scientific assessment was prepared for infrastructure works over the past decade.
Bale specifically requested:
- Information on the last geotechnical investigation conducted.
- A list of incidents related to landslides and road collapses over the last 20 years, including causes, remedial measures, status, and plans.
In response, the information officer of the PWD Mysuru Circle disposed of the application, stating that no such information was available. This reply has fueled concerns among activists about the project's safety and procedural integrity.
Conflicting Claims and Further RTI Queries
Interestingly, tourism department executive engineer Purushottam claimed that such studies were not required for temporary works, a statement that activists find contradictory to standard engineering practices. In light of this, Bale filed another RTI application with the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC).
This application seeks copies of:
- The appraisal report by the work-implementing authority.
- Pre-feasibility and geophysical investigation reports.
- Clearances obtained from various authorities, including the gram panchayat and forest department.
- Norms mandated for the PRASHAD scheme by the sanctioning authority.
Activists Allege Paper-Pushing Tactics and Hasty Implementation
Bale expressed frustration over the handling of his RTI requests, noting that the local KSTDC office forwarded the application to Bengaluru after a full 30 days. "The replies received clearly indicate paper-pushing tactics," he said. "It therefore casts serious doubts in the minds of activists that the agencies concerned are implementing PRASHAD works most likely without obtaining all the prescribed clearances or conducting all mandatory scientific studies."
He emphasized that the state government, district administration, and PWD must provide clear answers on these lapses and explain why the scheme is being implemented hastily without necessary studies. "There are ample other non-concrete projects that the funds could be utilised in designs to protect the spiritual sanctity and natural serenity of the hills," Bale added, highlighting alternative uses for the project funds that could preserve the area's ecological and cultural heritage.
The activists' demands underscore a growing call for transparency and accountability in public projects, particularly those impacting sensitive environmental and spiritual sites like Chamundi Hills.
