CEC conducts public hearing in Madikeri

A Central Empowered Committee (CEC) received representations from public over construction of Madikeri-Kadamakallu-Subramanya road, here on Wednesday. The Committee, on a Supreme Court directive, inspected the road in dispute in the morning, and received petitions from the public, organisations and elected representatives, in the evening. Air Marshal (retd) K C Karyappa had approached the Apex Court alleging that the road has been constructed within the limits of Pushpagiri reserve forest area.

“We have inspected the stretch in question over the last three days. A report will be submitted to the Supreme Court after the departments and persons mentioned in the complaint submit an affidavit. The Committee will examine whether the construction of road affects the forest,” said P V Jayakrishnan, the chairman of the Committee. He said that the report of the Committee could be questioned in a court of law by anyone.

MLC S G Medappa, former legislator A K Subbaiah and representatives several organisations submitted their pleas. separately. Committee members Mahendra Vyas, S K Chadda were present.