Pushpagiri Road Project Faces Fresh Opposition in Kodagu

Sanctuary road proposal sparks renewed controversy in Kodagu. (Image used for representative purposes only)

Madikeri: The Kodagu Ekikarana Ranga has appealed to Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Kandre to reject any move to revive the long-pending proposal to construct a road through the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in Kodagu district.

In a representation to the minister, the organisation strongly objected to renewed efforts to take up the road project, pointing to past legal hurdles and court interventions. It recalled that the issue had reached the Supreme Court in 2012. Acting on the court’s directions, the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) had conducted a site inspection and later reported that certain actions by officials and elected representatives were in violation of the apex court’s orders.

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The forum further cited a December 2022 directive of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which had instructed the Chief Secretary to initiate compliance measures concerning alleged violations linked to the proposed road alignment.

Despite these developments, the organisation alleged that fresh attempts are being made to restart the Pushpagiri road project. It expressed concern that Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda had sought budgetary allocation for the work.

Kodagu Ekikarana Ranga also referred to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s policy barring the construction of new roads within national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. It pointed out that senior officials had earlier filed an affidavit before the Supreme Court denying permission for the road.

The forum urged the Forest Minister to step in and ensure that no financial sanction or administrative approval is granted for the contentious project.

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