35 houses built after Chamundeshwari Development Authority formation

Mysore/Mysuru: Former Mayor B.L. Bhyrappa has demanded that works proposed at sacred Chamundi Hill under the Central Government’s PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme be abandoned, warning that the project would harm the fragile Hill ecosystem.

Addressing a press conference at the Pathrakarthara Bhavan yesterday, Bhyrappa claimed that when the PRASHAD project was initially announced with an allocation of Rs. 100 crore, strong opposition to the proposed ropeway led to its removal, following which the grant was reduced to Rs. 45 crore.

He said that authorities have now proposed construction near the foothills of Chamundi, close to the Mahishasura statue and the Nandi monolith idol, where there is no available space for such works. He also recalled that a proposed Unity Mall project at the Doddakere Maidan had been stalled by a High Court order, cautioning that the PRASHAD project would meet a similar fate.

Several such projects, he noted, had already failed, resulting in funds being withdrawn. Hence, he urged that Chamundi Hill be left undisturbed.

Authority’s failure

Bhyrappa pointed out that after the formation of the Sri Chamundeshwari Development Authority, the Hill has witnessed considerable encroachment, with about 35 houses coming up. He said, the absence of a proper underground drainage (UGD) system has resulted in wastewater seeping into the soil, increasing the risk of landslides.

Several development works, including water supply from the foothills, development of Devikere and road works along the Nandi route, have already been stalled. In this backdrop, he reiterated that the PRASHAD project should be scrapped.

Lamenting that the development carried out by the erstwhile Maharajas has been damaged, Bhyrappa said, Chamundi Hill must now be preserved in its existing form.

“It is politicians who have spoiled and caused irreparable damage to Chamundi Hill,” he said, adding that a public protest would be organised in January 2026 to oppose the project.

Siddalingappa was present at the press conference.