MYSORE: Environmentalists in Mysore have urged the Government to be cautious before taking up infrastructure development works, at a cost of Rs. 50 crore, atop Chamundi Hills and suggested that the fund be utilised to create a “buffer zone”.

In a press release, Mysore Amateur Naturalists (MAN) said the Government should help create a green belt instead of encouraging concrete structures.

The organisation said Chamundi Hills played a vital role in managing the microclimatic conditions of Mysore and was an important watershed for nearly 10 tanks.

“The hillock is home to several types of flora and fauna, some of which are endangered such as leopard and vulture, and there is a threat to the hills which is degrading the natural resources and causing ecological imbalances,” according to K. Manu, an ornithologist.

Stating that there was an increased pressure on the forest, he stressed the importance of protecting Chamundi Hills from outside threats.

Citing its study, the organisation said the forest area and green cover of Chamundi Hills had gradually been reduced to 25 sqkm in the absence of a “buffer zone” or “green belt”.

Encroachments

Land adjoining the hills had been illegally encroached by institutions, in the name of religion, and land mafia, and this had impacted the local wildlife, said Nithin, a member of the organisation.

Animals such as leopards, foxes, wild pigs, palm civets and jungle cats were listed as the inhabitants of Chamundi Hills and some of these rare creatures had become victims of road accidents.

For the animals to thrive the “buffer zone” should be extended up to half a kilometre, according to the organisation which said that an added threat came from local people who use the forest land for grazing despite the fencing.

Mr. Manu pointed out that the fence had been cut open at a few places to let the livestock in for grazing. Illegal quarrying and making of bricks had further deteriorated the forest area outside the fence, he said.

Large quantity of firewood was required to bake bricks and trees were being cut down to meet the requirement, thus hampering the fragile ecosystem in the forest, he added.

The organisation, which has voiced concern over the proposed ropeway project, said that forest fires were another problem that Chamundi Hills was facing.

Ropeway project

The Government had taken steps to destroy the sanctity of the forest by conceiving ideas such ropeway project which would take up 10 acres of land, it charged and added that widening the existing steps would further erode the green cover.

The organisation said the funds could be used for betterment of Chamundi Hills by creating a proper solid waste management system, creating plastic free zone, widening the forest area and increasing the green belt, among others.

Other initiatives include conceiving better forest fire control measures, educating local people on wildlife, forest resources and their importance, and recruitment of more forest guards to check poaching and illegal grazing, according to MAN.