The Hubli-Dharwad Bus Rapid Transport System Company has said environment-related issues will not be ignored in the implementation of the Bus Rapid Transport System (BRTS) project.
A release by Deputy Commissioner Sameer Shukla said to compensate the loss of greenery (many trees were felled for the project), the company would begin planting saplings on government school premises and undeveloped parks in the first phase.
Procurement
The Forest Department would procure around 8,000 different saplings suitable for the climate of the twin cities.
A sum of Rs. 2.4 lakh had been deposited with the department for the purpose, the release said. The BRTS company was committed to creating a green corridor in Hubli-Dharwad and welcomed suggestions and inputs from environment activists and organisations, said Mr. Shukla.
A committee, comprising Forest Department officials, experts from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, and representatives of registered environment groups in the twin cities, was being constituted to provide inputs and plans for this endeavour, he added.
Protest
This clarification was issued following complaints that the Hubli-Dharwad BRTS company had not taken into consideration the environmental damage caused by the felling of 1,800 trees.
Members of environmental organisations staged a protest outside the company’s office in Hubli on Wednesday. They wanted to know what steps would be taken to account for this loss.
