In a step towards tackling the growing challenge of solid waste management at Male Mahadeshwara Hills, which attracts a large number of devotees, new machinery was inaugurated on Thursday under the ‘Green Tomorrow–M.M. Hills’ campaign aimed at environmental conservation.

The initiative seeks to address ecological concerns at the sacred pilgrimage centre through scientific waste processing. The newly installed machinery will enable efficient segregation and disposal of waste, with the larger goal of making the hills plastic-free and environmentally sustainable. Chamarajanagar Deputy Commissioner Shreerupa inaugurated the facility.

Secretary of the Male Mahadeshwara Hills Development Authority A.E. Raghu, deputy secretary Chandrashekhar, MYKAPS executive director Ashraful Hasan, representatives of Jagrat Tech Private Limited, Mini Tech (Mangaluru), and others were present. Pourakarmikas and members of women’s self-help groups, who played a crucial role in the project’s implementation, also attended the event.

On the same day, the Deputy Commissioner visited villages in the MM Hills region to assess ground realities, interact with residents, and review basic infrastructure.

At Tokkere village, she discussed drinking water supply and other essential services with locals and inspected the anganwadi centre. In Doddane village, she chaired a meeting at the local school, reviewing issues related to water, roads, electricity, and civic amenities, and directed officials to address them on priority. She also instructed that services such as RTC and Aadhaar be made more accessible to residents.

Emphasising the importance of education, the Deputy Commissioner urged students not to drop out of school and to remain focused on their studies.

She also visited the Akka Café to review works undertaken under the NRLM scheme. Subsequently, she inaugurated a dry waste processing unit set up by MYRADA at M.M. Hills and held discussions with SVYM representatives, villagers, and officials on local issues and development initiatives.

At Kiranahole village, she inspected a lantana-based industrial unit, reviewed handicrafts and furniture produced there, and interacted with artisans on raw material availability and market access, encouraging them to expand their activities.