Government approved Hebri–Parkala NH-169A forest clearance allowing 2.49 hectares diversion Construction to resume after years delay improving Udupi regional connectivity significantly boosting transport infrastructure region
Udupi
The Government of Karnataka has officially approved the long-pending forest clearance for the Hebri–Parkala stretch of National Highway 169A, enabling the stalled road project to move forward after years of delay.
The project covers a sensitive forested corridor between Hebri and Parkala, where around 1.2 km of the proposed highway passes through protected forest land. This stretch had remained a major bottleneck for the wider highway development due to environmental clearance requirements.
Authorities have now sanctioned the diversion of a total of 2.49 hectares of forest area, including 2.35 hectares in Perdoor village and 0.064 hectares in Hebri village. This approval allows the National Highways Authority to proceed with construction activities in the affected zone.
The clearance process had been pending since 2023 on the Parivesh portal due to regulatory delays linked to environmental compliance and tree-cutting permissions. The prolonged delay had stalled progress on this crucial connectivity route in the coastal and Malnad region.
Officials have credited the intervention of Member of Parliament Kota Srinivas Poojary for helping resolve administrative hurdles and expediting the approval process. His coordination with relevant departments is said to have played a key role in achieving the final clearance.
Following the government’s decision, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued the final concurrence through its coordination wing, directing the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to facilitate implementation.
With approvals now in place, National Highways Authority officials have been instructed to immediately begin construction work on the cleared stretch to ensure timely completion of the highway corridor.
The project is expected to significantly improve regional connectivity between Udupi and surrounding interior regions, reducing travel time and enhancing economic activity. Compensatory afforestation measures will also be implemented as part of the environmental management plan alongside the required tree felling for construction.