Freeze work on steel flyover project, CfB urges governor

Citizens for Bengaluru (CfB), which is spearheading a campaign against the steel flyover project, has sought an inquiry and urged immediate freezing of work of the proposed six-lane project.

A signed memorandum by CfB, which was submitted to Governor Vajubhai Vala on Tuesday, has termed the project expensive, not serving its avowed purpose, having poor design, lacking in aesthetics and posing a serious ecological threat to the city.

“Experts have suggested alternative solutions that are simpler and more effective, far less expensive and friendlier to the environment. Despite intense opposition to the project, the BDA has decided to issue work order to execute the controversial project and indicated the date of November 1 to lay the foundation stone,” it reads.

Actor Prakash Belawadi, who was part of the delegation, said that the governor had agreed to support them.

“The governor is aware of the issue and has expressed concern over the loss of the city’s greenery. He has promised to consult advocates and decide the future course of action,” he said. Leo Saldanha from Environment Support Group urged the government to opt for alternatives, instead of felling trees.

HC adjourns hearing

The high court on Tuesday adjourned the hearing of the public interest litigation (PIL), challenging the steel flyover project. A division bench of Chief Justice Subhro Kamal Mukherjee and Justice R B Budihal posted the matter to November 2 for hearing. The counsel appearing for the petitioners requested the court for an early hearing, since the government was going ahead with the project.