Even though the controversial ropeway project to Chamundi Hills which was shelved after stiff opposition from environmentalists, the announcement by CM Siddaramaiah that the government is ready to implement the project if the greens do not oppose it has triggered another round of debate over promotion of tourism and conservation of environment in the eco-sensitive zone.
As the Hotel Owners’ Association demanded the CM to implement the ropeway project at Chamundi Hills arguing that it will boost tourism, Siddaramaiah stated that the project can be implemented subject to cooperation of greens.
This is not the first time the demand for the ropeway project in the hills was proposed by stakeholders in the tourism and hotel industry. The Chamundi Hills ropeway project was first proposed in 1997, but the project did not take off. However, the ropeway project again got a fresh lease of life when it was proposed in the state Budget in 2015-16 when Siddaramaiah was the CM.
The project was also proposed in the state budget for 2022-23 by the state government under the Parvat Mala scheme. The state government has also sent a proposal to build 15 ropeways under the scheme to the Centre, including one at Chamundi Hills and Kumara Parvatha, in Kodagu district.
Mullayanagiri and Kemmanagudi in Chikkamagaluru district, Jog Falls in Sagar in Shivamogga district, Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapur district, Kodachadri Hills in Udupi district, Devarayana Durga and Madhugiri fort in Tumakuru district, Anjanadri Hills in Koppal district, Chapeli, Joida and Yana in Uttara Kannada district are the sites where the ropeways are proposed to be built.
The envisioned 1.1-kilometer aerial ropeway, boasting an estimated budget of INR 76.50 crore, aims to redefine connectivity and accessibility to the site. Chief Minister Sukhu shared his enthusiasm, highlighting the ropeway’s capacity to ferry 700 passengers per hour in each direction. Beyond enhancing the pilgrim experience, the project is envisioned to generate substantial employment opportunities for the local youth.
Speaking to TOI, Hotel Owners’ Association president C Narayanagowda said that the city, which is a tourist hub, needs a ropeway project to promote tourist promotion activities as it generates jobs and facilitates the growth of the local economy. Several ropeway projects have been set up without causing any damage to the environment across the country, he argued. The state government must convince the greens that the project will be taken up without causing damage to the environment, he said.Former mayor BL Bhyrappa, who is also an active member of Chamundi Hills Horata Samithi, said greens will never allow the project. He contended that the hills has been damaged with development activities threatening the flora and fauna.
He said the district administration had dropped this project as Chamundi Hills is a pilgrim centre and not a tourist centre. Bhyrappa said as Siddaramaiah had stated that the project will be taken up only if the greens do not oppose it, or else the issue is closed. “Instead of promoting projects that are being opposed, the state government should set up and strengthen the Chamundi Hills Temple Development Authority which was announced by Siddaramaiah in the budget,” he said.
