Mysore: The campaign by the Chamundi Hill climbers saw hundreds of climbers signing a petition to stop the project by MUDA to construct a canopy to Chamundi Hill steps early this morning.

The climbers, led by Maj. Gen. (Retd.) S.G. Vombatkere, advocate S. Arunkumar, regular hill-climbers Chandrika, trekker P.K. Anil Kumar and hundreds of nature lovers, who assembled at the foot of Chamundi Hill at 6.30 am, held a meeting.

Speaking on the occasion, Maj. Gen. Vombatkere said that a committee would be formed to request the District In-Charge Minister Sreenivasa Prasad to stop the construction of the canopy and added that there was no need for toilets too along the steps as it takes only 45 minutes to one hour to reach the hill top.

He also said that steel railings would hamper the movement on the steps as it divides the steps.

He further added that saplings could be planted along the steps which will provide shade to the climbers and also provide food and shelter to birds and animals. Construction of an artificial structure will mar the beauty and heritage look of the hill.

Advocate Arunkumar said that Mysore city is having a historical significance particularly with respect to ancient monuments of heritage values and added that the Department of Archaeology had made a list of 210 structures of heritage values which are yet to be notified as monuments in city. He further said that as on today, there are only four Government notified monuments in city which are the Chamundeshwari Temple, Nandi, Mahabaleshwar Temple behind the main Chamundeshwari Temple and the lake atop the hill.

Arunkumar said that the Karnataka Government has amended Section 4 of The Karnataka Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1961, in its official gazette in 1998, which says that there should be absolute no activity of mining or construction activity within the radius of 100 meters of the monuments and only maintenance of existing structures should be carried after 100 meters and within 200 meters.

He said that when the law clearly states that no construction works should be permitted within the radius of 100 meters of the monument, how can the Government which has to safeguard and abide by the law of land itself violate the same? and added that if the MUDA does anything contrary to the provisions of law, then the State Government has the power to cancel the resolution or order under Section 67(2) of The Karnataka Urban Development Authorities Act, 1987.

He said that the climbers would approach the concerned departments and apprise them of the law first and still if they go ahead with the construction they would approach the Court.

Meanwhile, Srinivas, who has been climbing the steps since 30 years, said that more people climb the steps only on Saturdays, Sundays and only on Ashada season, that too early in the mornings or in evenings. Why waste taxpayer’s money on such useless projects, he added.

He further said that instead of this, a project to clean Devikere, project to provide drinking water can be taken up as there is no proper drinking water facility atop the hill and the famous Devikere is polluted. A project to provide flow of water to the lake during rains can be taken up.

Devaraj, President of Falcon Tyres Employees Union, who is climbing the hill since 28 years, said that the canopy was not necessary as it would spoil the heritage look of the steps and added that lights along the steps can be taken up. Toilets and rest rooms are also needed but not along the steps, he said.

P.K. Anil Kumar, a trekker and nature lover, said that the whole idea of the proposed project to construct a canopy along the steps is nothing but nonsense as most of the people who use these steps are normally nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts and morning joggers who go there to burn their calories and enjoy nature in its natural look.

Stating that the idea of sheltering the step itself is a bad concept, he added that tourists and visitors throng the temple atop the hill by road and those who cannot walk or old use the bus facility provided by the KSRTC which is frequent.

Anil said that if the district administration really wants to develop Chamundi Hill, they can demolish all the existing un-hygienic hotels, petty shops and other enterprises at the top of the Hill and construct proper well-furnished aesthetic shops and allot the same to the same old owners. A good hospital atop the hill is also needed, he added.

Maj. Gen. (Retd.) S.G. Vombatkere said that SMS would be sent to those who have signed the petition on the future course of action.

Star of Mysore Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy, artist Ganjifa Raghupathi Bhat, Asha Vombatkere, senior citizens Andal Siddarthacharry, Garuda Krishnan, architect B.S. Bhooshan and others were present.

Apart from those who had gathered to oppose the construction of the canopy, there were also a few who were in favour of it. When som spoke to them, they said that there are many pilgrims who come in the mid-day and find it very difficult to complete the climb. Another person said that it will help the old people and also people suffering from asthma, especially during December, when the fog is thick.