Mysuru: Forget about going on a long drive up to the iconic Chamundi Hill this Dasara. Instead, you can opt for reaching the temple through free KSRTC buses that will be operated from the Lalitha Mahal Helipad. The District Administration is likely to ban the entry of private vehicles to the Hill from Sept. 21 to  Oct. 5 and a decision will be taken in one or two days.

The Administration is likely to take the decision in order to ensure the safety of tourists and to prevent parking chaos up the Hill. The ban will be imposed on all private vehicles including two-wheelers and four-wheelers.

It may be mentioned here that the Administration usually bans entry of private vehicles to the Hill during Ashada Fridays (Ashada Shukravara) and during the annual Chamundeshwari Vardhanti (birthday). Last year, the Administration had come up with the idea but had not implemented as there were no preparations. This year, however, there is sure to be a ban.

Traffic Assistant Commissioner of Police K.N. Madaiah has submitted a proposal to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime and Traffic) Dr. Vikram V. Amathe who has in-turn submitted the proposal to the Dasara Committee, headed by Deputy Commissioner D. Randeep.

The Police have requested the Committee to consider the ban and also to arrange KSRTC buses from Lalitha Mahal Palace Helipad to the Hill.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, DC Randeep said that actually, there was a proposal before the Administration for a permanent ban on private vehicles atop the Hill. “Daily ban is not feasible and private vehicles can be restricted only on the days there is heavy rush,” he said and added that a final decision will be taken in a day or two.

As per the proposal, the KSRTC will operate free buses from the Lalitha Mahal Helipad and passengers can leave the vehicle at the Helipad. The frequency of the buses will be decided as per the number of people waiting to go up the Hill. The fares will be reimbursed to the KSRTC by the Government.

EXEMPTION TO VILLAGERS

The private vehicle ban will, however, not apply to VVIPS, the villagers residing atop the Hill and for those who come under the Chamundi Hill Village Panchayat. Special passes will be distributed for them by the District Administration.

Sources said that the Chamundi Village Panchayat has already begun a survey to take stock of the number of vehicles owned by villagers. Registration numbers are being noted down and the number of vehicles in each house is calculated to issue passes. Also, the list of people who leave for daily jobs and their vehicles are being scanned to provide passes, sources said.