Environmentalists oppose tree felling for highway expansion

Shivamogga: Environmental activists in Shivamogga opposed the planned felling of 2,214 trees to expand NH-766C (Ranebennur-Byndoor highway. The NHAI plans to develop the highway in Thaggarse, Yeljith, Golihole, and Jadkal villages between Kollur and Byndoor in Udupi district. Shivamogga MP BY Raghavendra is seeking to expedite delayed works connecting the taluk in his constituency.
On April 22, a public consultation at the Byndoor RFO office drew multiple objections to the project. Environmental advocates accused officials of lapses and questioned the necessity to axe the trees. Green Lives Shivamogga Trust raised concerns about regulatory violations. Supreme Court requires forest clearance before non-forest area work. However, the department issued tree-felling notices prematurely.
The NH department sought clearance for 20.60 km, excluding the Mookambika wildlife sanctuary section, contrary to the guidelines. The sanctuary falls under the Karkal wildlife division. Golihole and Jadkal villages, within the sanctuary's ESZ, contains dense natural vegetation qualifying as forest under the Supreme Court definition. National highways department must adhere to the green highways policy, 2015, it stated.
The trust lodged primary objections, whilst numerous environmental groups submitted email protests against tree removal, drawing opposition across districts. Speaking to TOI, Green Lives activist Shravan CM accused the foresters of misuse of power. The foresters issued public notice solely for public hearing without proper jurisdiction, particularly for areas falling within the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of Mookambika wildlife. This is a serious breach of administrative power, he said.
Kundapura ACF Prakash Pujari told TOI that 242 objections were received, with 130 people supporting the project during the public hearing. Chirag from Rainland trust informed TOI that the department marked trees between Byndoor and Kollur. He criticised their approach and noted that the completed highway section until Hosanagar awaits rapid progression.