Why citizen action and NGOs  matter now more than ever

By Bhamy V. Shenoy and Ashvini Ranjan

As a new year begins, it is an appropriate moment for Mysureans to pause and reflect — not only on personal goals, but on the future of the city we call home.

The question before us is simple yet profound: who will protect Mysuru if its own citizens do not step forward?

A visit to India’s major heritage and tourist cities such as Udaipur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Gwalior and Indore reveals an uncomfortable truth. Despite their grandeur, many of these cities struggle with congestion, pollution and unplanned growth. By comparison, Mysuru stands out as cleaner, greener and more livable…for now.

This livability of Mysuru is thanks largely to the farsighted urban planning of the Maharajas who ruled Mysuru and decades of civic discipline.

But an important question confronts us today — for how long will this advantage last?

Over the past two decades, Mysuru’s population has grown. People from Bengaluru and other overcrowded cities are increasingly moving here in search of a better quality of life. This influx, however, has placed enormous stress on our infrastructure, water supply, sewage systems, roads, markets, parks, heritage buildings and lakes are all showing signs of strain.

Uncontrolled encroachment of Poornaiah Canal threatens the very survival of Kukkarahalli Lake. Traffic congestion is worsening. Commuting times are increasing. Chamundi Hill has crossed its carrying capacity.

Flyovers are being proposed without adequate sensitivity to heritage. These are not isolated problems, they are symptoms of unchecked, poorly planned urbanisation.

 It is here that the role of civil society, especially NGOs, becomes crucial.

Thanks to sustained efforts by organisations such as Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP), the rate of deterioration has at least been slowed, even if it has not been fully arrested.

MGP’s contribution over the years demonstrates what informed, committed citizens can achieve.

Some of MGP’s notable interventions include

• Development of a Smrithi Park around Laxmikantha Temple in Hebbal
• Saving Cheluvamba Park from an office-cum-residential complex
• Preventing the total extinction of People’s Park
• Playing a key role in protecting lakes such as Kukkarahalli, Lingambudhi and Karanji
• Filing a PIL against Vikrant Tyres for burning high-sulphur fuel oil
• Shutting down a polluting unit processing old lead batteries
• Preventing environmentally destructive proposals on Chamundi Hill, including ropeway projects, road widening and canopies over steps.
• Ensuring NH-212 was diverted to the Ring Road instead of cutting through the city
• Opposing proposed Chamalapur Coal Power Plant

Yet, not all battles were fully won

Large-scale building code violations continue unabated. The promise of 24×7 water supply remains unfulfilled. Revenue reforms at Vani Vilas Water Works have not materialised despite expert inputs.

Encroachment of footpaths continues unchecked. Even after PILs and protests, vandalisation of the Chamundi Hill ecosystem has taken place.

Beyond victories and setbacks, MGP’s most enduring achievement has been creating a credible platform for retired professionals, subject experts and concerned citizens to contribute meaningfully.

The involvement of individuals such as late Prof. Ramalingam (water quality), Maj. Gen. Sudhir G. Vombatkere and geologist Rangaraju (heritage conservation), V. Mahesh (groundwater), C.V. Nagaraj (food adulteration), H.R. Bapu Satyanarayan (road construction) and Prof. U.N. Ravi Kumar (lakes) proves the power of collective expertise.

Today, Mysuru stands at a critical tipping point. If citizens remain passive, the city will inevitably follow the trajectory of Bengaluru, overbuilt, overburdened and increasingly unliveable.

What was once a paradise for retirees and families will become yet another stressed urban centre. The choice before us is clear.

Either we participate actively in strengthening NGOs and civic movements, or we surrender Mysuru’s future to apathy and short-term interests.

Preserving Mysuru’s old charm is no longer the responsibility of a few — it is the duty of all who benefit from living here.

MGP invites citizens to enrol as members

The MGP, which is planning to expand its social activities to involve more citizens, has invited young, talented and committed citizens to join this voluntary movement to serve the society with their valuable time as per their convenience.

Interested citizens may join hands by enrolling themselves as members of MGP. For details, contact  Ph: 0821-2515150 or e-mail: [email protected]

NOTE: MGP will conduct elections on Sunday (Jan. 11) to form a new Executive Committee at the MGP Office in Yadavagiri, Mysuru.