Road to cut through Nagarahole

MYSORE: The Project Implementation Unit (PIU) of the Karnataka State Highway Improvement Project (KSHIP) has decided to go ahead with the Mysore-Mananthavadi road through the Nagarahole National Park disregarding the recommendations of the Monitoring Committee constituted by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) of the Supreme Court.

A 10-km stretch of the Mysore-Mananthavadi Road (State Highway 17 D) was initially proposed through the southern side of the national park. But the Mysore-Mananthavadi Road Monitoring Committee constituted by the CEC suggested diversion of the original alignment between Dammanakatte and Udburu to avoid the national park limits.

While the diversion suggested by the Monitoring Committee will increase the distance by just 3 km — from 10 km to 13 km — it will benefit nearly 25,000 people who live in villages along the route. In contrast, the original alignment of the road through the national park avoids villages and would have affected wildlife.

The diversion has been suggested because the Mysore-Mananthavadi road is used by timber, spirit and sand smugglers, poachers and those seeking to evade sales tax. Also, there is livestock smuggling from Karnataka to Kerala. The original alignment of the road passing through the forests will abet illegal activities. Even the district administration is in favour of the diversion, and Mysore Deputy Commissioner P. Manivannan has strongly recommended the realignment.

In a communiqué to the Principal Secretary, Forest, Ecology and Environment, who is also the Chairman of the Mysore-Mananthavadi Road Monitoring Committee, Mr. Manivannan said the alternative stretch would pass through Honnammankatte, Hosaholalu, K.R. Pura, Magge, Malali, N. Belthur, Kharapura, Gundattur and Udburu villages.

He pointed out that there were several other villages close to this road. At present, the local people depend on outsiders to market their agricultural produce. Hence, if a portion of the highway was diverted, it would be benefit nearly 25,000 people apart from students who could pursue higher education in other centres. He has also highlighted that if the original alignment was to be pursued, it would pass through the national park and not benefit any village. The communiqué goes on to add that the economy of the local villages will improve because of better connectivity. “The opinion of the district administration is that the stretch between Dammanakatte and Udburu should be diverted outside the Nagarahole National Park limits to help the villagers.But the PIU has questioned the Monitoring Committee’s credentials to make such a recommendation. In a November 21 letter to the Principal Secretary, Forest, Ecology and Environment, it said, “It is pertinent to note that the Monitoring Committee has been constituted as part of the five conditions of the CEC with the specific task of monitoring the mitigation measures for environment and wildlife during the implementation of the project along the original alignment. As such the proposal of improvement of the alternative route and consequent revision of the project scope may not come under the purview of the Monitoring Committee.”

The KSHIP will improve 34.50 km of the Mysore-Mananthavadi road, which was initially planned through Nagarahole National Park. However, the CEC, in March 2009, directed that work be suspended.

But the PIU has stated that it conducted a feasibility study through Scott Wilson Ltd., U.K., and “found the alternative route not feasible and economically unviable”.

Officials in the Forest Department are questioning how a mere 3-km extension, which will benefit 25,000 people, can be so construed.

In the Monitoring Committee meetings, feasibility was defined as something that is beneficial to wildlife and people. So, when thousands of people stand to benefit from the proposed diversion, and if such a move will not impact wildlife, then it is intriguing as to how the proposal can be dubbed “unfeasible and economically unviable”.

Link - http://www.hindu.com/2009/11/28/stor...2857620100.htm

It is very unfortunate that we are unable to keep our meagre 3% forests inviolate. There is a valid claim by conservationists "will 3% of forestland mitigate the pains of people which 97% of land available with them can't do".

I remember one more famous quote:

"Man is Evolution's greatest mistake!-George B Schaller."

Thanks for the information.

Do we take short cuts to pass through the fields? We would rather walk a bit more to avoid cutting through the cultivated fields and damaging crops. Similarly, we don't walk through the lawns to avoid damage to the grass and instead stick to the pathways. On the other hand we cut open our pristine forests and create roads and railway lines.

It is very unfortunate. We always bow down to the transport lobby and allow roads to built right through the heart of our pristine forests. Our natural heritage shouldn't be sacrificed to protect the interests of a handful, however vocal they may be.

One should also remember, that technology continually improves and as a consequence the vehicle speed increases. The time taken to reach also decreases. So transporters or any commuters who complain of an extra half an hour or hour's drive should know that in a few years, that gap would automatically be bridged. Where as our forests once opened up, will never heal.

At one point of time, no diesel vehicles could negotiate the steep climb in the Segur road (connecting masinagudi to Ooty). So they used to take the other longer road. These days all the trucks and vehicles pass through the segur road to save the 30 kms. Needless to say, the segur area - a prime elephant corridor - is now devastated.

We are increasingly trying to prove Schaller right. Perhaps we can rightly be referred to as Evolution's greatest mistake.

Sabyasachi