Ashada Shukravara: Environmental groups to be deployed to monitor devotees carrying single-use plastic atop Chamundi Hills
Representatives from Parisara Ulivigati Kriya Samithi, or Environment Protection Action, convened a press conference in Mysuru on Wednesday and said about 150 volunteers will be present at the foothills on Friday to monitor, prevent and assist the devotees so that single-use plastics are not taken uphill.
The environmentalists, who appealed to the devotees to use only organic pooja material, also urged the Chamundeshwari Temple Area Development Authority to ensure that offerings such as baagina, badami milk and dry fruits are distributed without using the single-use plastic.
'We request the concerned departments to take strict measures to ensure that no vendors in Chamundi Hills, from the foothills to the hilltop, use any single-use plastic,' said Mr. Parashurame Gowda, a member of the Samithi.
The Samithi has also appealed to the devotees visiting Chamundi Hills to avoid carrying pooja items, sweets, and snacks in single-use plastic containers. 'We request the devotees to bring natural turmeric and vermilion (kumkum) instead of those containing chemicals,' said the Samithi, in its statement.
Meanwhile, president of PUCL, Mysuru, Kamal Gopinath, who is also a member of the Samithi, said the single-use plastics and other consumer wastes threatened the pristine Chamundi Hills and the authorities should strictly enforce the ban on single use plastic bags, water bottles and other such items used by tourists and devotees all around the year through sustained programmes instead of some 'peripheral and shallow' measures only during Ashada Fridays and festivals when there is a surge of devotees.
He urged the authorities to make environmentally proactive norms a part of the tender process.
Mr, Parashurame Gowda regretted that the declaration of Chamundi Hills as a plastic-free zone by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has remained largely on paper.
Tourist Bungalow
Mr. Kamal Gopinath has urged the State government to shelve its plans to construct a Tourist Bungalow atop Chamundi Hills and instead focus on the Department's core function of conservation and maintenance of the environment in this ecologically sensitive region.
All the nine organisations that are part of the Samithi were unanimous in their opposition and condemnation of the proposed bungalow, he said.
'Chamundi Hills is ecologically sensitive, and no fresh constructions in any form or shape should be allowed atop the hills, which have recently recorded boulders rolling off the same and are also under constant threat owing to sustained erosion of the green belt around it', he said.
Ms. Leela Shivakumar, Ms. Leela Venkatesh, Mr. Gokul of Clean Mysore Foundation, and Mr. Gantaiah of Parisara Balaga were also present.
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