Overview
- Two protests were held on January 21 atop Chamundi Hill, one near the Mahishasura statue and another at the excavation site, drawing more than 100 participants.
- Demonstrators reported ongoing excavation under the PRASHAD scheme, saying earthmovers have lowered the road surface by about a foot as police barricades secured the area.
- Protest organisers contend the works lack an Environmental Impact Assessment and District Heritage Committee approval and they seek carrying-capacity and heritage impact studies before any further activity.
- The project is part of the Centre’s PRASHAD programme and is being executed by the Karnataka Tourism Department with the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple Development Authority.
- A memorandum submitted on January 20 to Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy demanded an immediate halt to the works, and the reports carried no official confirmation of required clearances.