What are the environmental concerns at Chamundi Hills?

Activists are concerned that increasing commercialization and development under schemes like PRASHAD are leading to the rapid deterioration of Chamundi Hills' fragile ecosystem and its biodiversity.

What is the PRASHAD scheme's role in Chamundi Hills development?

The PRASHAD scheme plans to add tourist amenities, but activists fear it will result in more concretization and ecological stress on the hills.

What biodiversity exists in Chamundi Hills?

Chamundi Hills is a biodiversity hotspot supporting 153 butterfly species, 193 bird species, and various mammals, including leopards and macaques.

Home / Environment / Chamundi Hills: Sacred Site or Concrete Jungle?

Chamundi Hills: Sacred Site or Concrete Jungle?

28 Nov

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Summary

Activists fear growing commercialization is destroying Chamundi Hills' ecosystem.
Development under the PRASHAD scheme is being criticized for promoting concretization.
Chamundi Hills boasts significant biodiversity, including 153 butterfly and 193 bird species.

Chamundi Hills: Sacred Site or Concrete Jungle?

The fragile ecosystem of Chamundi Hills, a crucial green lung for Mysuru, faces growing threats from commercialization and development. Activists are protesting plans under the Union government's PRASHAD scheme, which aims to enhance tourist amenities but risks increasing concretization. These efforts come amidst a revival of the 'Save Chamundi Hills' movement, highlighting a stark conflict between development and conservation.

Critics argue that the PRASHAD scheme's proposed additions, such as stone columns and redesigned pathways, will further encroach upon the natural landscape. Calls to relocate existing commercial structures and prioritize biodiversity preservation have been made, yet the Chamundi Hill Development Authority, chaired by the Chief Minister, has reportedly focused on political proposals for amenities over environmental protection.