Manchekallu Hill, a striking natural landmark situated 12 km from Tipaturu city along the Chikkanayakanahalli route, is revered for its rich heritage of medicinal plants, particularly the Alalekai, often hailed as the “King of Medicines” in Ayurveda. However, this invaluable natural asset is now under serious threat from encroachment and proposed mining activities.
Alalekai is celebrated for its remarkable medicinal properties, which are believed to prevent aging, support heart health, and treat various ailments while balancing the body’s three doshas. The hill encompasses over 300 acres of forest area under the Huchagondanahalli Panchayat, serving as a biodiversity hotspot that hosts not only the Alalekai but also other medicinal plants like Kadumuthuga and Mullumuthuga, alongside diverse wildlife.
The local communities, including those from Bennayakanahalli, Gopalahalli, Ramenahalli, and adjacent villages, heavily rely on the hill for grazing their livestock, which comprises over 250 cows, buffaloes, 400 goats, and more than 2,000 sheep. The medicinal rainwater flowing through the area nourishes important water bodies, such as Gangamma Kar and Boregowda Lake, both vital to local ecosystems. Traditionally, these lakes were believed to have healing properties, with elders advising those with skin ailments to bathe in Boregowda Lake, further emphasizing the hill’s significance to local culture and health practices.
The looming threat of mining has raised alarm bells among locals and conservationists alike. Quarrying activities could lead to the destruction of Alalekai trees and other flora, which would likely result in the permanent depletion of natural water sources like Gangammanakare and Boregowdanakare, essential for agriculture and livestock grazing. Ujjaji Rajanna of the Nomad Tribe Mahasabha warned that mining could devastate cultivated lands, displace semi-nomadic pastoral communities, and threaten the region’s biodiversity.
For generations, traditional healers from South India, including Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, have visited Manchekallu Hill to harvest Alalekai, particularly during the auspicious Ashadha month. However, local encroachments and forest degradation have contributed to a decline in this valuable medicinal plant, limiting its availability for naturopathic and Ayurvedic practices.
Dr. Sumana, a Senior Medical Officer at Ayush Hospital in Konehalli, elaborated on the numerous health benefits of the Alalekai plant. “Used for treating cold, asthma, urinary tract infections, and skin and hair issues, Alalekai is beneficial across various ailments. It is rich in Vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and iron, supporting digestion and effectively treating conditions like stomach ulcers and heartburn.”
As mining proposals threaten Manchekallu Hill, local communities are urging the government to take swift action to protect this vital natural sanctuary. They emphasize the hill’s significance as a cornerstone of Tipaturu’s ecological and cultural heritage. The community’s hope is for immediate intervention to prevent further exploitation and preserve this unique biodiversity for future generations.
The potential mining activities around Manchekallu Hill pose a serious risk to its rich medicinal heritage and the livelihoods of the local communities that depend on it. Protecting this area is not only crucial for maintaining biodiversity but also for safeguarding traditional healing practices and ensuring a sustainable future for the people of Karnataka. The call for preservation resonates strongly among locals who cherish the ecological and cultural significance of Manchekallu Hill.