Environmental Activists Sound Alarm Over Unauthorized Road Construction in Karnataka Forest
Environmental activists in Mangaluru have raised serious concerns regarding the commencement of road construction along the Ujire–Periyashanti stretch of National Highway-73. This critical infrastructure project traverses both forest and non-forest areas, sparking allegations of regulatory violations and potential ecological damage.
Memorandum Highlights Pending Clearances and Alleged Violations
In a detailed memorandum submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), and the deputy conservator of forests of the Mangaluru division, an activist formally flagged the initiation of construction work. The core issue is that this work has reportedly begun despite statutory forest clearance (FC) and wildlife clearance (WC) approvals still being under active consideration by authorities.
The controversy centers on a proposal to divert 9.55 hectares of Reserved Forest land to widen the NH-73 spur road connecting Ujire, Dharmasthala, and Periyashanti. While this proposal remains under official review, construction activity has allegedly been observed across multiple stretches of the alignment.
Construction Reported Within Sensitive Tiger Corridor
The activist's memorandum makes several grave allegations. It claims that construction is not only occurring in non-forest areas but has also encroached into reserved forest sections that fall within the officially notified Kudremukh–Pushpagiri Tiger Corridor. This is a critical wildlife habitat connecting major protected areas.
The document asserts that initiating work on non-forest land before securing mandatory forest clearance is a direct violation of the Consolidated Guidelines under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, and its corresponding 2023 Rules. Furthermore, it states that beginning any construction activity within a notified tiger corridor without a proper wildlife appraisal or recommendations from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is inconsistent with the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Specific Incidents of Construction Activity Detailed
As of March 19, specific instances of construction have been reported. The memorandum details that work has commenced on two bridges crossing streams located within the Porkal and Nidle Extension reserve forests. More alarmingly, it alleges that construction crews have dumped debris directly into stream channels. This action appears aimed at reducing water flow to facilitate easier construction, while concurrent work on concrete pillars is reportedly in progress.
Calls for Immediate Suspension and Official Denial
In light of these allegations, the activist has urgently called upon forest authorities to take immediate action. The demands include the suspension of all construction and road-widening work along the entire project alignment until all required statutory approvals are formally obtained. The memorandum also urges the department to take disciplinary action against the agencies responsible for commencing work without the necessary clearances.
Reacting to these serious allegations, a senior forest department official provided a contrasting account. The official stated that no construction work has been undertaken within any forest areas. "The work is being undertaken strictly in the revenue area. The forest clearances are under consideration as per due process," the official clarified, directly contradicting the activist's claims regarding activity in reserved forest sections.
This dispute highlights the ongoing tension between infrastructure development and environmental conservation in ecologically sensitive regions. The conflicting reports from activists and officials underscore the need for transparent monitoring and strict adherence to environmental laws to protect vital forest ecosystems and wildlife corridors.
