NGT issues interim stay order against Bengaluru's steel flyover
- The steel flyover has faced loud protests by interest groups in the city.
- Responding to a petition, the NGT has issued an interim stay order.
FollowThe National Green Tribunal has granted an interim stay order of four weeks against the proposed steel bridge in Bengaluru, based on a petition filed by various Bengaluru citizens and interest groups. The project was supposed to begin from November 1.
"Diwali represents triumph of Good over evil and the NGT has given Bengaluru it's Diwali gift," said MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
"I welcome the NGT granting an interim injunction on BDA’s Steel Flyover project. This petition and interim order, opens the door to a detailed scrutiny of the environmental impact of government's action on the steel flyover project. This also puts a brake on the unholy and brazen rush of this government to award and start the contract despite the visible and widespread opposition by citizens," he added.
The ₹1761 crore steel flyover to link Basaveshwara Circle to Hebbal to improve connectivity to Bengaluru international airport has been facing flak from civic groups and political parties, who opposed the project on cost and environmental concerns. It is estimated that 812 trees will be felled for the project.
As the city saw a series of protests beginning on May 16 against the proposed project with thousands of people forming a human chain, hundreds of people representing a few residents welfare associations staged a demonstration yesterday in its support, arguing it would ease traffic congestion.
While there have been loud protests against the project, the state government has so far refused to consider the project. Unfazed by protests, Siddaramaiah had earlier defended the project, calling it "totally transparent" and had clarified that the escalation in project cost was due to two years delay in tender and steep increase in VAT on steel.
"Both for and against opinions have been expressed on the proposed construction of a steel flyover here. Bengaluru Development and Town Planning Minister K J George is working on informing the people about actualities...in June when we sought public opinion, 73 percent of the respondents were in favour of the project.... if there is misconception about it, it needs to be clarified," the CM said.
