Temple, Forest Department join hands in three-shift cleanliness drive 

Mysuru: Following a social media campaign highlighting the growing waste menace atop Chamundi Hill, Sri Chamundeshwari Temple Development Authority has intensified cleanliness efforts by launching a special drive at the Hill shrine. 

The initiative was taken following directions from MCC Administrator Nitesh Patil, who also serves as Mysuru Regional Commissioner, who took note of videos circulating on social media showing heaps of garbage littered across the Hill, a major religious and tourist destination. 

Acting swiftly, Temple Authority Secretary M.J. Roopa and Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) K. Paramesh stepped up efforts to ensure effective implementation of the cleanliness drive. 

Waste was found scattered around key locations, including Chamundi Temple premises, Mahishasura statue area, bus stand, parking lot, temple road and along the steps leading to the shrine from the foothill. In response, the authorities have decided to undertake cleaning operations in three shifts. 

Directive to vendors 

Additional sanitation personnel have been deployed with instructions to collect plastic bottles, carry bags and other waste discarded in and around the temple premises and other public areas. Vendors, including sellers of puja materials, hoteliers and canteen operators, have also been directed to maintain cleanliness and ensure proper waste disposal. 

Although Chamundi Hill has been declared a plastic-free zone, the continued use and improper disposal of single-use plastic remains a concern.  

Environmentalists point out that since the temple precincts are surrounded by reserve forest under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department, coordinated action by both the Temple Authority and Forest officials is essential to effectively tackle the problem. 

Nitesh Patil said that apart from social media posts, several individuals had personally brought the issue of waste accumulation on Chamundi Hill to his notice. 

“The matter was discussed with the Temple Authority and the Forest Department and directions were issued to maintain cleanliness. The Temple Authority has launched a special cleanliness drive. Along with the authorities, devotees and tourists visiting the Hill should also cooperate in keeping the surroundings clean,” he said.