Mysuru: To ensure easy access to drinking water for thousands of devotees visiting Chamundi Hill every day, Sri Chamundeshwari Kshetra Development Authority has installed drinking water taps at 36 locations within the Temple premises. 

The initiative follows repeated complaints about devotees struggling to access drinking water during peak hours, particularly while waiting in long queues for darshan. 

One of Karnataka’s most visited pilgrimage centres, Chamundi Hill attracts lakhs of devotees and tourists annually. During festival seasons and weekends, heavy crowds often leave pilgrims fatigued and dehydrated, with some reportedly collapsing due to exhaustion. 

To address the issue and reduce the use of plastic bottles on the Hill, the Authority implemented the project under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding in association with the State Bank of India.  

Drinking water taps have been installed along both the free darshan and special darshan queue lines. 

The taps are housed in specially designed steel units, with separate outlets and cups provided for the convenience of devotees. Pilgrims can now drink water and refresh themselves without having to leave the queue. 

Officials said the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to improve basic amenities on Chamundi Hill while preserving its sanctity and promoting a cleaner, plastic-free environment.