Mere public opposition will not stop Bengaluru flyover project: Experts

BENGALURU: While the ‘Steel flyover beda’ brigade is pinning their hopes on the environmental impact assessment (EIA) and public consultation, the authorities of State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) stated that mere public opposition may not render the project unsuitable. This may go in favour of the state government which is very keen about the project.

National Green Tribunal (NGT) is set to hear the controversial steel flyover on Friday. According to the sources BDA is preparing an affidavit stating that steel flyover does not need an EIA. In case the NGT does not agree an EIA will be done by SEIAA.

Explaining on how the EIA is done, a senior official associated with the SEIAA on condition of anonymity said, “According to the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification 2006, all projects are divided into 2 categories - A and B.

While projects under category A falls under the Central Government, category B falls under the SEIAA. Category B is subdivided into B1 - which needs EIA and B2 which does not need it. First BDA should fill an online application with pre-feasibility project report, which after preliminary scrutiny will be placed before expert appraisal committee.”

In the first two steps 'screening' and 'scoping' will involve collection of details relating to the project type, location, purpose and the committee may hand it over to an environmental consultant for analysis, the official explained.

Once the consultant files the report, the appraisal committee will send it to BDA to conduct a public consultation under district commissioner by giving a 30-day notice, the official explained.

“Mere opposition by the public at the hearing may not stop the project. The committee will also consider facts and evidence.” He also said if BDA addresses all the material environmental concern expressed during public hearing, then the SEIAA may and grant environmental clearance.