Address local concerns ahead of PRASHAD works atop Chamundi hills: MP

Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Mysuru MP, said the State government must take into account the concerns raised over the implementation of works under the PRASHAD scheme atop Chamundi Hills and seek the opinions of those opposing the project before proceeding further.

Speaking to reporters here on January 24, Mr. Wadiyar said he had raised several pertinent questions with officials regarding the scheme, but they failed to respond. He noted that residents of the hill and other stakeholders had expressed that the proposed development works will harm the heritage and ecology of Chamundi Hills, and their concerns need to be addressed.

Expressing concern over excavation works being carried out close to the Rajagopuram of the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, the MP questioned the use of heavy vehicles to remove earth near the structure. He said factors such as the temple’s foundation and traditional construction methods used for the complex must be thoroughly studied before undertaking any such work. “No activity should disturb the existing structure, and the foundation aspects need careful examination,” he said.

VB-G RAM G Act

Referring to the opposition to the new VB-G RAM G Act, Mr. Wadiyar said the new framework provides greater flexibility for people in rural areas to plan and implement works in their villages. It facilitates permanent grassroots-level development in villages, he added.

Rejecting the claims made by the Congress government against the Act, he said districts such as Kodagu, where there is a strong demand for constructing retaining walls to address landslide issues, will benefit from the flexibility provided under the new legislation. The Act, he said, allows such works to be taken up while addressing local needs. “The focus is on village development, fulfilling local needs, and ensuring greater accountability through effective monitoring,” he noted.

Terming the Congress as “anti-development”, the MP said this is the reason behind its opposition to the VB-G RAM G Act. He also said the overall spending under the scheme will increase from ₹80,000 crore to ₹1 lakh crore.

On the Railways dropping the Mysuru–Kushalnagar railway project — which had drawn opposition from environmentalists and locals — Mr. Wadiyar attributed the delay to issues related to land acquisition and the State government’s failure to provide the necessary land. He said he will urge the authorities to reconsider the decision, noting that railway connectivity will pave the way for economic development in Kodagu.

Jagruthi Samavesha

Earlier in the day, the MP and other BJP leaders took part in a VB-G RAM G Act Jagruthi Samavesha held at the BJP office here. The event was organised to spread awareness about the new legislation and counter the claims of the Congress government against the Act, which was introduced after repealing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).