Greens oppose 'unscientific' development works at Nandi Hills

Environmentalists are opposing development projects at Nandi Hills, near Bangalore, citing concerns about their unscientific nature and potential environmental damage.

Development Projects: The projects include construction activities under the PRASAD Scheme, which environmentalists argue will cause irrevocable damage to the hills.

Overcrowding and Pollution: Increased tourism and vehicular pollution are putting additional pressure on the hills, which are home to several exotic species of birds.

About Nandi Hills 

Nandi Hills, also known as Nandidurg or Nandydoorg, is a popular hill station located in the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka, about 60 kilometers from Bangalore. The first ever SAARC summit hosted by India was held at Nandi Hills in 1986.

History

Ancient Origins: The hills were developed by the Ganga Dynasty and have been known by various names over the centuries, including Anandagiri (Hill of Happiness) and Kushmandagiri.

Tipu Sultan: During the 18th century, the hills served as a summer retreat for Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore. He built a fort here, which played a significant role in his military strategies.

British Era: The British colonial rulers also used Nandi Hills as a summer retreat and established a cantonment here. They constructed several buildings and infrastructure, some of which still exist today.

Geography: Situated at an elevation of 1,478 meters (4,849 feet), Nandi Hills offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The hills are the origin of the Arkavathy river, Ponnaiyar River, Palar River, Papagni River and Penna River.

Arkavathi River: The Arkavathi River originates near Nandi Hills and is a tributary of the Cauvery River. It flows southwards and provides water for agricultural and drinking purposes in the region, including parts of Bengaluru.

The river is crucial to several reservoirs, such as the Hesaraghatta and Thippagondanahalli reservoirs.

Palar River: The Palar River also originates in the Nandi Hills. It flows southeastward, passing through the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, before draining into the Bay of Bengal.

This river supports agricultural activities along its course and is a significant source of water for irrigation.

Pennar River: The Pennar River, also known as the North Pennar, has its source in the Nandi Hills and flows across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The river supports a large area of cultivation and is one of the major rivers in southern India.