Citizens’ groups that have been opposing the proposed 102-km elevated corridor project expressed their unhappiness with Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, who they allege has gone back on his promise of holding public consultations. They warned the State government on Saturday of intensifying their protests in the coming weeks.
Civic groups have challenged the environmental clearance given by the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority to the project before the National Green Tribunal. The High Court had given a temporary stay order on the project.
‘Not consulted’
Following the protest ‘Tender Raddu Madi’ on March 16, the Chief Minister held a meeting with the civic groups. “At the time, he unequivocally conveyed that the final decision on this project had not yet been made, and that the government would consult citizen groups, bus passengers, traffic experts, civil society representatives, residents’ welfare associations and officials, before commencing the project. He also mentioned the timeline and that he would call for public consultations after the Lok Sabha elections,” said civic groups protesting against the project in a joint statement.
In their statement, they said Mr. Kumaraswamy had promised that the project assessment, data, scientific reports, advantages and disadvantages would be shared with the public for feedback, before the government decides on its next course of action. “He does not seem to be upholding his promise and the government seems to be ploughing ahead with the construction of elevated corridor in clear violation of various laws,” read the statement.
