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Four-lane project to connect Chikkamagaluru, DK will dry up tributaries of Netravathi - Experts

Chikkamagaluru/Mangaluru: At a time when the state government has acknowledged that the proposed four-lane highway through Byrapura-Holegandi route in the Western Ghats to link Mudigere (Chikkamagaluru) with Shishila (Dakshina Kannada) would severely damage forests, experts have warned that the new alignment proposed by the Public Works Department (PWD) would cause even more damage, in turn affecting west-flowing rivers.

Experts have said that it would escalate the bitter confrontation between Coastal Karnataka and Bayalu Seeme districts (districts of southern hinterland of the state) over natural water supply over the Yettinahole project being affected.

It is said that the government claimed in the legislative council that the new alignment had less forest and wildlife; however, activists have stated that the fresh alignment would disturb several tributaries of Netravathi, the lifeline of Dakshina Kannada. Meanwhile, the government has to take the people into confidence and also minimize damage done to the Western Ghats, else situation could get worse.

The proposal though being supported by political leaders, has received severe opposition from activists.