Opposition by residents and various organisations in Karnataka’s Kodagu district have led spiritual guru and Padma Bhushan awardee Sri M, also known as Mumtaz Ali, to withdraw his proposed meditation retreat project near the ecologically sensitive Malma Hills in Madikeri taluk.

For the past several days, villagers have been opposing any form of alleged commercial activity on Malma Hills near Nelaji village. The hill is located close to the renowned Igguthappa temple, an important religious site for residents of the district, particularly the Kodava community.

According to local residents, Sri M had purchased land on the hill, where cardamom and other crops were being cultivated. Villagers alleged that following the purchase, trees were cut, roads were constructed and ponds were created on the property. While acknowledging that the land is privately owned, residents argued that any commercialisation of the ecologically sensitive hill could adversely affect the area’s fragile environment, cultural heritage, and religious significance.

Residents resist commercialisation plans

Speaking to The Hindu, Harish Kushalappa, former president of the Ballamavati Gram Panchayat and a resident of the area, said that two landowners had sold the property to Sri M a few months ago. “The property is somewhat forest-like in nature, though cardamom was earlier cultivated there. We do not have any objection if the person who purchased the land undertakes agriculture or plantation activities. However, we oppose the use of such an ecologically sensitive area for commercial purposes,” he said.

Mr. Kushalappa further stated that despite Sri M issuing a statement promising residents that the status quo would be maintained, villagers would continue approaching authorities seeking protection for the hill.

“We will submit complaints to the Deputy Commissioner, the Revenue, the Tourism, and the Mines and Geology departments, as well as the local MP and the MLA, requesting that no permissions be granted for any commercial activities that could damage the hill and its natural environment,” he said.

Villagers pass resolutions

Amid growing concerns, residents of Ballamavati village convened a special gram sabha at the Ballamavati Gram Panchayat Hall on June 20. During the meeting, villagers unanimously passed a series of resolutions opposing any development or commercialisation activities in and around Malma Hill and its foothills.

The sabha resolved that no activity or development should be permitted in the Malma Hills area. Villagers strongly opposed what they described as proposed commercial development near the sacred hill and demanded that no permissions, approvals or No Objection Certificates (NOCs) be issued for any project in the area.

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Sri M withdraws plans

Following the opposition from local residents, Sri M issued a statement clarifying that the land had been purchased not for commercial purposes but for a self-retreat centre focused on meditation, the study of Shastras, Sanskrit chanting and advanced yoga practice.

According to the statement, the proposed facilities were to include a goshala, meditation hall and ponds. Sri M said that he had no intention of cutting trees or damaging the mountain forest and that the project was intended to preserve the landscape while respecting Malma hill and Lord Igguthappa, whom he described as spiritually significant to him.

However, citing the sentiments of villagers and the Kodava community, Sri M announced that he was withdrawing all proposed construction plans. “Since the land in question is considered a sacred place by Kodavas and the development will affect Kodava religious feelings, I have decided not to make any construction on the said properties,” he stated.

Sri M further said that the ponds on the property were necessary for groundwater conservation and were not intended for commercial use.

He assured residents that he had no intention of damaging the local environment and urged villagers not to be concerned by rumours circulating in recent days.