Mysore/Mysuru: Mysuru’s environmental organisation ‘Parisarakkagi Naavu’ has submitted a memorandum to the Mysuru Deputy Commissioner (DC) urging the immediate suspension of ongoing works under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) atop Chamundi Hill.

The group argued that Chamundi Hill is a protected forest zone and nearly Rs. 45 crore is being spent on new buildings and concrete structures without conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment.

They pointed out that over the past 25 years, numerous houses and buildings have already been constructed on the fragile Hill and experts have repeatedly warned that exceeding its carrying capacity could trigger landslides.

The organisation stressed that a scientific evaluation of Chamundi Hill’s load-bearing capacity is urgently required.

According to Mysuru’s Master Plan, Chamundi Hill is classified as a heritage site, and any construction in the area requires approval from the District Heritage Committee, which has                                                 not been obtained.

The group also noted that shops and facilities already built for devotees remain underutilised, resulting in wastage of public funds. They criticised the unilateral implementation of projects without consultation with Mysuru’s citizens or environmental activists and demanded that such practices be stopped.

The memorandum urged the district administration to treat the matter with seriousness and take immediate steps to halt the works.