Development at the cost of environmental degradation? This is the question conservationists are asking public representatives and bureaucrats to ponder, after plans were mooted to construct a marriage hall atop the eco-sensitive Himavad Gopalaswamy Hill in Gundlupet taluk of Chamarajanagar district.
Though Gopalaswamy Hill falls within the core area of the Bandipur National Park and shelters a large population of elephants, big cats and other significant land animals, the forest department has given the green signal for construction worth Rs 50 lakh here. Gundlupet MLA H.C. Mahadev Prasad has even performed the foundation stone-laying ceremony on the hill on July 23. Mr Kumar Pushkar, director of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, has denied allegations that his department has approved construction of fresh structures.
“No fresh buildings can come up atop Gopalaswamy Hill since it’s a protected area. The department has only permitted renovation of the Venugopal Swamy Temple and the already existing Venugopal Swamy Bhavan, which will now be converted into a marriage hall facilitating pilgrims to organise small functions. We are not violating the law or compromising on wildlife conservation,” was his explanation. MLA Mahadev Prasad contended that basic amenities should be created atop the hill as there is a significant increase in the number of pilgrims visiting the place. “I have received several complaints from the pilgrims that a lot of inconvenience was being caused due to lack of basic facilities. There are no toilets atop the hill and the temple ceiling, steps and flooring need repairs.
The Venugopal Swamy Bhavan is also in a shambles. In view of this, the Muzrai department has released ` 50 lakh with which pre-cast toilets will be built, besides renovation work. Public needs are equally important along with wildlife conservation,” he said.