NST appeals to Palemar to prevent forest destruction

NST appeals to Palemar to prevent forest destruction

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, January 9: Krishna J. Palemar, the minister for ecology, environment, ports, and fisheries, has directed DC Subodh Yadav to obtain technical advice on saving forests in the process of laying a gas pipeline from Kochi to Bangalore through Mangalore, in response to the appeal submitted by Nagarika Seva Trust (NST) of Guruvayanakere. The survey for land acquisition for this project has already commenced, said the district-in-charge minister in a letter to the DC. A copy of the appeal has also been attached to this letter.

In its appeal, the Nagarika Seva Trust argues that if the pipeline is laid close to HPCL’s Mangalore-Bangalore pipeline, a huge area of farmland and forest can be saved.

GAIL India Ltd. has implemented this project; and according to its official website, the cost of the 1,114-km Kochi-Kanjirkkod-Bangalore-Mangalore pipeline project is Rs. 3,032 crore. The pipeline will be linked to the 1,389-km Dabhol-Bangalore pipeline project worth Rs. 4,543 crore.

Nagarika Seva Trust President S. Somanath Nayak said in his appeal that the pipeline will pass through thick forests in Bantwal, Mangalore, and Belthangady taluks and that the project promoters have launched a survey at Padangadi, Sonandur, and Neriya villages without providing proper information to people. He urged the minister to ensure that proper awareness is created on the matter.

Mr. Nayak also pointed out in his project that the sensitive ecology of the area has been adversely affected by projects such as electricity transmission lines to Shanthi in Hassan for the Udupi Power Corporation’s Thermal Power Project near Mangalore – Bangalore railway line in Padubidri, Gundya power unit, Konkan railway line, HPCL pipeline, 136 mini hydel projects, and national highways. He proposed that the pipeline should be laid along the existing HPCL pipeline to prevent further damage to forests and to protect farmland.