Now Reading: Karnataka High Court seeks response on Hebbal tunnel project
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Karnataka High Court seeks response on Hebbal tunnel project
The Karnataka High Court has sought the State government’s response to a PIL against the proposed 2.2-km, three-lane twin tunnel from Hebbal junction to KVAFSU, estimated to cost Rs 1,130 crore. The…
The Story in Brief
The Karnataka High Court has sought the State government’s response to a PIL against the proposed 2.2-km, three-lane twin tunnel from Hebbal junction to KVAFSU, estimated to cost Rs 1,130 crore. The Bench warned it could stay the project if a written response is not filed before the next hearing on August 24. Notice has also been issued to contractor Rithwik Projects Pvt. Ltd.
The court directed the government to state whether studies assessed the tunnel’s effect on Hebbal lake, including possible obstruction to water inflow or outflow. The petitioners claim the tunnel would pass 8 to 12 metres from the lake boundary and challenge reduced lake buffer rules and BMLTA Rule 24. They seek independent hydrological, groundwater, flood-risk and environmental assessments before work proceeds.
The Indian Opinion
The loudest claims are that any challenge is anti-development, or that the project is already proved unsafe. Neither follows from this hearing. The practical issue is whether the government can produce credible studies on water movement, groundwater and flooding, while also explaining the legal basis for the project. The next useful test is the affidavit due before August 24.
Source: thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
