NGO representatives and citizens taking part in an agitation against the PRASHAD project at Chamundi Hills on January 21. | Photo credit: MA Sriram
Amid the growing controversy over construction work on Chamundi hills, protests were held on the hill on Wednesday against the work being done under the PRASHAD scheme, a central initiative jointly implemented by the Ministry of Tourism and the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple Development Authority.
One protest was organized by Parisarakkagi Naavu, Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP) and other civic collectives, while another was led by Dr. Sushrutha Gowda and others.
Strongly opposing the scheme, Parisarakkagi Naavu and MGP staged a demonstration in front of the Mahishasura statue, demanding that the authorities address concerns raised by various groups about the need and scale of development on the hill, which experts have described as “ecologically fragile”.
Parashurame Gowda of Parisarakkagi Naavu said that Chamundi Hills has witnessed continuous construction for the past 25 years and experts have repeatedly warned about the carrying capacity of the area in view of the increasing number of constructions. He added that there were also concerns about the possibility of landslides and threats to the hill’s ecosystem if further development continued unchecked.
“Chamundi Hills is not only an ecologically sensitive zone but also a heritage and spiritual centre. Any new project must be preceded by a proper Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and a scientific study of the hill’s carrying capacity. Permissions from the Heritage Committee are also mandatory as the site is identified as a heritage centre,” he said.
In another protest held near the excavation site of the project near the Chamundeshwari temple, concerned Mysuru citizens and activists staged a demonstration against what they called “unscientific excavation and construction activities” on the hilltop.
Dr. Gowda emphasized the vital importance of conducting a comprehensive environmental impact assessment, ensuring sustainable development practices, conducting a heritage impact assessment and prioritizing the protection of forests and biodiversity before starting any work in such a sensitive area. He called on the authorities to immediately stop construction until full transparency and scientific clarity about the project is provided to the public.
The protesters claimed the project was being pushed forward without meaningful consultation with key stakeholders, including local residents, vendors and heritage experts. They appealed to the district administration to stop the “unscientific constructions” immediately.
“As the region is ecologically sensitive and prone to landslides, carrying out such projects without proper scientific and environmental permits could seriously damage the heritage value of Chamundi Hills, cause irreversible damage to the fragile ecosystem and increase the risk of landslides,” said Dr. Gowda in his statement.
Published – 21 Jan 2026 19:09 IST
