Bengaluru: The unauthorised widening of a road on an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) near Bannerghatta National Park continues unabated, despite concerns raised by conservationists.
Bhanu Prakash R., coordinator, Bannerghatta Nature Conservation Trust had written to Bescom and the forest department about the development of new layouts and road widening project in the ESZ (Eco-Sensitive Zone) of the Bannerghatta National Park.
After receiving Prakash’s letter, the Bescom has written to its Superintending Engineer, Ramanagara Circle, to look into the matter and initiate action.
The PCCF (Principal Chief Conservator of Forest) too has written to the DCF (Deputy Conservator of Forest), Bannerghatta National Park on the issue of illegal road widening and development of commercial establishments in the ESZ.
“I have written several letters to the departments concerned, including forest, and apprised them about the issue. This is a clear violation of the ESZ norms,” Prakash said.
The unauthorised road widening work is being carried on the road connecting from Bannerghatta- Anekal Road to Shivanahalli.
It is learnt from the sources that without obtaining the necessary clearance from the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) a 12-feet road is being widened to 25-feet road.
Prakash said the PWD (Public Works Department) has directed its engineers not to give the copies of the tender related to the project to anyone.
A senior forest official said the road widening would impact the wildlife since heavy vehicles would move along the road.
Due to the movement of heavy vehicles involved in mining and quarrying activities the road was damaged, however. The widening requires permission from NBWL.
The licences of illegal quarrying sites and their operations were suspended by the Mines and Geology Department in mid 2017.
