Mysuru: The State Government has taken note of a video report published on the social media page of Star of Mysore highlighting litter, including single-use plastic and other waste, strewn near Sri Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hill and in the adjoining forest area. 

Following the report, the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Minister sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) from Sri Chamundeshwari  Temple Development Authority Secretary M.J. Roopa. 

In her reply, Roopa stated that the waste had been cleared and enclosed a photograph of the cleaned concrete dustbin located behind the temple. 

She explained that devotees regularly dispose of puja materials in dustbin, from where the waste is periodically shifted to the Solid Waste Management unit after the bin is filled. 

According to Roopa, on the day the issue was highlighted, the temple witnessed a heavy influx of devotees, resulting in an unusually large accumulation of waste. The garbage was cleared the following day, she said. 

The Secretary further informed the Government that the Temple Authority has now adopted a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for maintaining cleanliness across all its premises. 

Chairman of the Karnataka State Biodiversity Board S.E. Sudheendra has shared with Star of Mysore copies of the official correspondence exchanged between the Government and the Temple Authority regarding the matter.