Now Reading: Karnataka HC seeks study on Hebbal tunnel’s impact on lake
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Karnataka HC seeks study on Hebbal tunnel’s impact on lake
The Karnataka High Court has asked the State government to file an affidavit on whether scientific studies assessed the proposed Hebbal tunnel’s effect on the lake’s inflow, outflow and underground water movement.…
The Story in Brief
The Karnataka High Court has asked the State government to file an affidavit on whether scientific studies assessed the proposed Hebbal tunnel’s effect on the lake’s inflow, outflow and underground water movement. The court warned it could stay the project if the response is not filed before the next hearing. The Hindu reports the hearing is set for August 24, while Deccan Herald reports August 20 and a 10-day deadline.
The 2.2-km, three-lane tunnel would connect Hebbal junction with the veterinary university through the GKVK campus. The Hindu puts its estimated cost at Rs 1,130 crore, while Deccan Herald reports Rs 1,140 crore. Petitioners also seek independent hydrological and environmental assessments. Deccan Herald says they alleged 899 trees could be cut.
The Indian Opinion
The easy narratives are that every road project is anti-development, or that any threat to a lake proves official wrongdoing. Neither is established here. The court is asking for a basic, project-specific record before construction advances near a sensitive water system. The State should publish the studies, drainage plans and tree count rather than rely on assurances. The decisive test is whether independent evidence shows the tunnel will preserve Hebbal’s inflow, outflow and groundwater movement.
Sources (2): thehindu.com, deccanherald.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
