Mullayanagiri Ropeway Plan Faces Environmentalist Opposition in Karnataka

Environmental groups are strongly against the new Mullayanagiri ropeway plan. They say it could harm the fragile Western Ghats.
By Newsroom | Environment, Tourism |

Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka - A government proposal to construct a ropeway connecting Mullayanagiri and Seethalayyanagiri in the Western Ghats has drawn sharp condemnation from environmentalists. The project, outlined in Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's budget on March 6, aims to bolster tourism in the region.

Proposal for ropeway at Mullayyanagiri attracts criticism from environmentalists in Chikkamagaluru - 1

The crux of the criticism lies in the perceived lack of benefit to local populations and the potential ecological damage to a fragile ecosystem and its wildlife. This sentiment echoes previous environmental opposition to similar infrastructure projects in ecologically sensitive areas.

Proposal for ropeway at Mullayyanagiri attracts criticism from environmentalists in Chikkamagaluru - 2

Concerns Over Ecological Impact and Local Benefit

Environmental advocates voice significant concerns regarding the impact of a ropeway on the delicate ecosystem of the Chandradrona range. The areas proposed for development are described as fragile and ecologically sensitive, with documented instances of landslides in similar terrains within the Western Ghats. Activists argue that increased human intervention in such zones poses a direct threat to biodiversity.

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Proposal for ropeway at Mullayyanagiri attracts criticism from environmentalists in Chikkamagaluru - 3

Furthermore, a recurring point of contention is the project's supposed benefit to local communities. Reports suggest that the proposed ropeway offers little to no advantage for the people residing in the vicinity. This raises questions about the true beneficiaries of such development initiatives.

Historical Precedent and Pattern of Opposition

This is not the first instance of such a proposal facing environmentalist pushback. In the past, similar ropeway projects mooted for locations like Chamundi Hills, Mullayanagiri, Yana, and Jog Falls have encountered stiff resistance from green activists. In at least one documented case, resistance led to the shelving of a similar project at Chamundi Hills.

Critics have also pointed to a lack of proper consultation with experts before such projects are announced, a point that has been raised previously regarding infrastructure plans in environmentally sensitive zones. The current proposal is slated to be developed under a public-private partnership model.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are environmentalists opposing the Mullayanagiri ropeway plan announced on March 6?
Environmentalists are against the proposed ropeway connecting Mullayanagiri and Seethalayyanagiri. They worry about damage to the fragile ecosystem and wildlife in the Western Ghats.
Q: What are the main concerns about the Mullayanagiri ropeway project's impact?
The main concerns are the potential ecological damage to the sensitive Chandradrona range and the lack of clear benefits for local people living nearby. Activists fear it could harm biodiversity.
Q: Have similar ropeway projects faced opposition before in Karnataka?
Yes, similar ropeway projects in places like Chamundi Hills, Mullayanagiri, Yana, and Jog Falls have faced strong opposition from environmental activists in the past.
Q: What happened to previous ropeway proposals that faced environmentalist resistance?
In at least one case, the strong resistance from green activists led to a similar project being cancelled, such as the one proposed for Chamundi Hills.
Q: Who is planning to build the Mullayanagiri ropeway and how?
The ropeway plan was included in Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's budget on March 6. It is planned to be built using a public-private partnership model.