A massive public campaign, uniting citizens from all walks of life, echoed through the historic Chamundi Hills in Mysuru on Sunday. Organized under the banner Parisarakkagi Naavu, the protest saw thousands, including children, climb the iconic steps to demand immediate and stringent conservation measures for the sacred hill.
A Unified Climb for Conservation
The protest was spearheaded by AT Ramaswamy, the state president of Parisarakkagi Naavu and a former legislator. The movement gained significant spiritual weight with the participation of prominent religious leaders: Shivakumara Swami of Kappattagudda Nandiveri Mutt, Nijalingeshwara Swami of Nidasosi Mutt, Basavarajendra Swami of Kesavattur Mutt, and Mallesha Swami of Torenuru Mutt. Former MLA MK Somashekhar and noted environmental activist Krupakar also joined the agitation, lending their voices to the cause.
Participants, identifiable by the green bands they wore as a symbol of their environmental commitment, carried placards and raised slogans. Their core demand was clear: a complete ban on all commercial activities on the Chamundi Hills. They urgently appealed to the state government and the Mysuru district administration to act decisively to safeguard the betta (hill).
Voices from the Hill: Warnings and Pleas
The protesters presented a united front, alleging that rampant commercial ventures are causing severe damage to the hill's sensitive ecosystem, which is a designated protected zone. They called for the demolition of all encroachments.
Shivakumara Swami of Kappattagudda emphasized that protecting Karnataka's ecology is the duty of every Kannadiga. He linked the hill's purity to divine presence, stating, "If the betta remains pollution-free, clean, and green, the goddess will continue to reside here." He stressed the need for a massive people's movement to save the landmark.
Nijalingeshwara Swami expressed concern over damage caused even by devotees, calling it unfortunate and stressing the imperative to make Chamundi Hills completely garbage-free.
Leading the protest, AT Ramaswamy declared that the sacred nature of the hills must be protected at all costs. "It is easy to destroy the hills, but it is impossible to create another Chamundi Hills," he warned. He highlighted the hill's immense cultural, social, and environmental significance, noting its crucial role in Mysuru's water cycle. "Destroying the betta in the name of development is nothing but self-destruction," he added.
An Ancient Ecosystem Under Threat
Environmental activist Krupakar provided a grave geological perspective, noting that Chamundi Hills predates human evolution. "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.
The protest also saw participation from Parashurame Gowda, general secretary of People for Environment; Bhamy V Shenoy of Mysuru Grahakara Parishat; BJP leader R Raghu; and KV Stanly, co-founder of Odanadi Seva Samsthe, among others. The diverse gathering of children, youth, and elders underscored a community-wide resolve to preserve this irreplaceable natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
