MANGALURU: Environmentalists and green activists are up in arms as there seems to be no end to damage wrought to the Western Ghats in the guise of development: The proposed Shishila-Byrapura road has joined a growing list of projects in the region.
This 13-km road planned to connect Shishila in Dakshina Kannada with Byrapura in Chikmagaluru district would spell doom for the habitat of several species of flora and fauna besides damaging Yettinabhuja peak nearby.
Officials of PWD, however, defend the project saying it would provide motorists alternative connectivity between Shiradi and Charmadi Ghats besides helping ease traffic in Charmadi ghat.
Experts and activists have decided to protest against this project, and if necessary, approach the court for its halt. “We fear that about 30,000 trees will be cut for this project. This stretch has some rare animals. If the government continues with the project then we will have no other go but to approach the court,” says Shashidar Shetty, convener, NECF.
Meanwhile, Dinesh Holla, convener, Sahyadri Sanchaya, told Deccan Chronicle: “Already the Western Ghats are bleeding due to various projects. Shishil-Byrapura stretch is an undisturbed one. The government wants to damage this stretch too,” adding “Already we have National Highways at Charmadi Ghat and Shiradi Ghat and a state highway at Sampaje Ghat. Why this proposal for a new route? There is an alternative road at Bisile Ghat, but people rarely use it. Let officials improve existing roads instead of harming the Western Ghats .”
