NGO cites HC order on people's nod for infrastructure projects

Citing the High Court judgment of November 16, 2010, on a PIL challenging the Metro construction through Lalbagh Garden and K R Road, coordinator of Environment Support Group, Leo Saldanha, told reporters here on Friday that the court verdict would be highly beneficial to the people.

Persuasive value

“The order directly affects the functioning of all planning and development authorities in Karnataka, and will have a highly persuasive value in seeking similar relief in other states,” he said.

The Karnataka High Court had disposed of the petition filed by Environment Support Group alleging that the construction of the southern reach of Bangalore Metro had violated the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act.

According to Saldanha, the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice A S Bopanna had said that during the planning of projects, the State Government agencies shall comply with norms and procedure.

“In case of any violation of directions issued by the court, the officer concerned shall be held responsible.”

Elaborating on the consequences of the order, Saldanha said the order enforced several provisions in the law that mandated public involvement in decision-making, be it the development of a layout, road-widening, park development, change of land use, or any other item of urban planning and infrastructure development that came under the purview of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act.