Mangaluru
A proposal to widen a section of National Highway-73 through Charmadi Ghat has triggered environmental concerns, with activists urging authorities to conduct detailed studies and allow wider public scrutiny before proceeding. The proposal involves the diversion of forest land and the felling of more than 7,500 trees.
According to reports, the National Highway Division of the Public Works Department has proposed widening an 11.2-km stretch of the Charmadi Ghat road into a two-lane road with paved shoulders. The proposal requires around 38.70 acres of forest land. Officials have cited the narrow road, sharp curves, increasing traffic and difficulties faced by heavy vehicles as reasons for the proposed expansion.
Environmentalists, however, have raised concerns about the ecological and geological sensitivity of the region. A report by the Mangaluru forest division has identified portions of the proposed road corridor as part of a tiger movement corridor. It has also recorded regular movement of elephants in the area and stressed the need for appropriate wildlife mitigation measures.
Environmental activist Vivek M. has questioned whether adequate geological and landslide-risk studies have been carried out before advancing the proposal. He said the project could affect wildlife movement and the habitat of several species, including the endangered lion-tailed macaque. The proposal reportedly covers 7,540 trees belonging to 52 species.
The activist also referred to a Geological Survey of India study concerning landslide hazards along the Charmadi Ghat road. He claimed that the study had linked several past landslides to road construction activities and cautioned against vertical cutting of hill slopes. He has urged the authorities to undertake a fresh, comprehensive assessment of landslide risks before finalising the project.
The Forest Department has recommended forwarding the proposal for statutory approvals, while officials have indicated that wildlife mitigation measures would be required before final approval.
Environmentalists have called for the proposal to be examined publicly and for alternative options to be considered. They said road development in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats should take into account road safety, slope stability, wildlife movement and forest conservation before any tree-felling work begins.
