Mysore/Mysuru: The Chamundi Betta Ulisi Samithi has welcomed the Government’s decision to shelve the proposed Chamundi Hill Ropeway Project, that had drawn the ire of environmentalists and other concerned people.

Addressing a press meet here on Friday, former Mayor B.L. Bhyrappa, who is also part of the Samithi, said that a physical signature campaign was launched against the Government’s plan to go ahead with the ropeway project, during which a whopping 55,000 signatures were collected.

Pointing out that the project was opposed by many groups and a large section of the population, he said that several memorandums in this regard were presented to the District Administration and the District Minister. Now, taking note of the stiff opposition to this environmentally destructive project, the Government has dropped the plan, he said.

Continuing, Bhyrappa demanded setting up of a Chamundi Hill Development Authority on the lines of M.M. Hills, a ban on movement of all private vehicles to the Hilltop, operation of only electric buses to Hilltop, demolition of all unauthorised structures atop the Hill, bringing down commercial activities to the bare minimum, rain water harvesting measures, an appropriate waste collection and disposal mechanism, among others.

Samithi office-bearers Prof. K. Kalachannegowda, Parashuramegowda, Leela Shivakumar, Leela Venkatesh, Gantaiah and others were present.