Mysuru: Work on the proposed grade separator at the junction of the Outer Ring Road (ORR) and Devalapura Road near Hosahundi has begun despite strong opposition from environmentalists and residents, who have vowed to resist the project if it involves felling trees. 

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) identified Devalapura Road junction as an accident-prone ‘black spot’ following a series of road accidents and proposed the construction of a grade separator to improve safety.  

The project, estimated to cost Rs. 20.8 crore, involves building an 800-metre-long and 45-metre-wide flyover at the junction. 

48 trees targeted 

According to project plans, 48 trees located on the median between Uttanahalli and Nanjangud Road would have to be removed to facilitate construction. Environmentalists have strongly opposed the move, insisting that no trees should be felled under any circumstances. 

The road blocked and the traffic diverted on the service roads. 

A public grievance meeting held at the Devalapura junction on Mar. 25 witnessed both support and opposition to the project from villagers, residents and environmental activists.  

The meeting turned heated, prompting officials to direct participants to submit their objections or approvals in writing, along with Aadhaar and address proof, at the Forest Department office. 

Written objections 

Subsequently, residents and environmental groups submitted written objections against the project. They argued that NHAI had failed to explore or implement simpler accident-prevention measures such as traffic signals, speed breakers, warning signboards and stricter enforcement against reckless driving. 

Activists questioned the need to spend more than Rs. 20 crore on a flyover when, they claimed, basic traffic management measures could improve safety at the junction. Villagers from Hosahundi said, they had already lost substantial stretches of fertile agricultural land to previous infrastructure projects and feared the flyover would further affect small roadside businesses that support local livelihoods. 

Preparatory work begins 

Despite the opposition, preparatory work for the project commenced on June 15. Service roads have been opened for traffic, while iron-sheet barricades have been erected across portions of the Ring Road. Earth movers have also been deployed at the site and work has begun to remove sections of asphalt for the flyover foundation. 

Workers present at the location said, they had been instructed only to fill potholes left from earlier roadworks. Environmentalists, however, alleged that authorities were proceeding with the project while disregarding public sentiment. They maintained that the activities at the site clearly indicated preparations for flyover construction and reiterated that they would oppose the project. 

Forest officials clarified that permission to cut trees has not yet been granted. “In the public grievance meeting, both support & opposition to flyover were expressed. However, we have not permitted to remove even a single tree,” said K. Paramesh, DCF, Mysuru Regional Division.