By Bhamy V. Shenoy

A recent development on Chamundi Hill — establishing a ‘Goshale’ (cow shelter) on 1.475 acres of land behind the Dasoha Bhavan building by a private entity — has raised concerns.

Videos and photographs posted by NGOs on social media show levelling of vast ground, reportedly by felling trees and shrubs, exposing the indifference of authorities responsible for preserving Chamundi Hill’s ecological balance.

Regardless of whether trees were felled or the land is privately owned, no development should occur in an environmentally sensitive area like Chamundi Hill without proper environmental clearance. Being close to a reserve forest, the area demands special care to prevent unauthorised activities.

The pressing question is: When several authorities, including the Forest Department (to protect biodiversity and the reserve forest), the Chamundi Hill Gram Panchayat (to enforce building by-laws and environmental regulations), the newly-formed Sri Chamundeshwari Kshetra Development Authority (to maintain the Hill and its sacred structures and environs) and the District Administration headed by the Deputy Commissioner (to preserve the environment), exist, why has no one acted?

It was only after NGOs began raising inconvenient questions that these authorities started defending their inaction. Their justifications expose why Mysuru’s rich and iconic heritage is often treated as an orphan despite having several so-called custodians.

The Sri Chamundeshwari Kshetra Development Authority was specifically established to oversee the development and maintenance of the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple and Chamundi Hill in Mysuru taluk, Mysuru district. Its silence on this issue is telling.

What does “developing and maintaining Chamundi Hill” truly imply? At its core, it should mean ensuring that no unauthorised development takes place.

Did the developers of the ‘Goshale’ secure the necessary permits and clearances? The Member-Secretary of Sri Chamundeshwari Kshetra Development Authority claims the land is private property and thus beyond their jurisdiction.

Purpose of statutory body

If this is indeed the case, one must ask: Why was the Sri Chamundeshwari Kshetra Development Authority Act enacted in the first place? Was it merely to control temple funds? This is far from the intent NGOs had when advocating for the Authority’s formation — truly a sad state of affairs.

Equally baffling is the Chamundi Hill GP Panchayat  Development Officer’s (PDO) assertion that, since the land is private, they have no information about the development.

Shouldn’t they be proactive, at the very least, by inquiring with the owners about such  activities? Their passivity raises serious questions, and even now, it remains unclear whether they will act.

Three years ago, under an RTI request, the Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP) sought information from the Panchayat regarding constructions of shops, houses and restaurants on Chamundi Hill over the preceding decade.

The response stated that no permissions were granted. If so, why haven’t they taken action against the violators? Even now, NGOs report ongoing construction on the Hill, which has already exceeded its carrying capacity. Who is responsible for halting these violations, and why hasn’t action been taken?

A glaring collective failure

The neglect of the authorities, despite being vested with statutory powers, is glaring. The GP failed to take decisive action on this issue.

Similarly, Sri Chamundeshwari Kshetra Development Authority, specifically formed to oversee and safeguard the Hill and its temple precincts, has done little to uphold its mandate. The Authority’s claim that private land development is beyond its jurisdiction raises fundamental questions about its purpose and effectiveness.  This negligence is compounded by the District Administration’s indifference.

Unfortunately, unless NGOs and socially active citizens persistently pressurise authorities, our beloved Chamundi Hill risks being irreparably lost to future generations.