Scrap Nandi Hills ropeway project: Activists | Bengaluru News
Bengaluru: Strongly opposing the proposed ropeway project at Nandi Hills, environmentalists and activists Wednesday urged Karnataka govt to scrap the plan, calling it ecologically and culturally damaging. Activists of Universal Human Rights Service Foundation (UHRSF) told the media that construction of the 2.9-km ropeway would ultimately increase tourist influx and lead to habitat destruction, soil erosion and depletion of vital spring-fed water sources. Moreover, the use of heavy machinery for such largescale construction would adversely affect the eco-tourism landscape that many residents depend on for their livelihoods, they claimed.AN Yellappa Reddy, former secretary for environment and ecology, said: “Every day, we collect 100-200 kg of plastic waste from Nandi Hills, and on weekends, it shoots up to over 1,500kg. It is like watching ants swarm the place. People are going here for fun and enjoyment. Traffic should be banned on the hills. If we want to preserve the environment here, we should create a situation where we can walk and enjoy. With weekend footfall crossing 7,000, we’re not asking for a ban, just proper regulation.”Environment enthusiast CD Kiran said, “We are conducting a massive campaign to save Nandi Hills and also waging a legal battle. The ropeway project should be abandoned. Otherwise, a public dialogue should be held. We will not allow decisions that are harmful to the environment. In addition to protecting water resources there, our foundation is committed to preserving biodiversity of the region.”“Prioritising such infrastructure will only be beneficial in achieving short-term goals of the project. These short-term benefits will eventually overshadow long-term goals,” said Prakash M, senior advocate in the high court.THEIR DEMANDS Declare Nandi Hills a world terrestrial ecosystem heritage areaRestore and maintain existing heritage structuresEnrich ecosystem by planting native speciesBan ecologically harmful activities like reckless construction or litteringCharge entry fee to fund clean-up and regulationStart slot-based booking to control footfall— Manya Lama
