Mysuru: The controversial project to straighten the Hunsur Road bend between Kalamandira and Valmiki Road near Jaladarshini Guest House has been dropped following growing opposition to the project that will destroy the heritage ambience of the section of the road. Instead, the stretch of the road from Kukkarahalli Lake side will be widened by 200 metres to prevent accidents.

The Government had sanctioned Rs. 12 crore for the project that aimed at averting accidents on the 450-metre stretch. However, environmental-conscious citizens and several Green Groups had opposed the project as it would destroy at least 100 trees. They also argued that the curve in the road was not the cause for accidents and suggested means to prevent accidents without straightening the road bend.

Green Groups, led by the Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP)had approached a District Court against the project. Now the Government has decided to shelve the project to pacify public anger. Sources said that the authorities were forced to reconsider their decision to pacify the public anger in an election year.

The Government has now proposed to widen the road by 200 metres on the Kukkarahalli Lake side, giving more space for motorists to negotiate the curve. To implement the new project, over six big trees were chopped off yesterday afternoon. Earlier, 47 trees were marked to be cut for the straightening project, raising the hackles of environmentalists.

Speaking to Star of Mysore this morning, Executive Engineer of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Shivaram said that no more trees will be felled on the stretch. “Apart from widening, the road from Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle (Metropole Circle) will be asphalted till Hinkal Junction and the footpaths will be refurbished with interlocking tiles,” he said.

“We will maintain the heritage ambience of the road and compound walls on both sides of the road will be retained as-is. Asphalting works of the road has already begun,” Shivaram added.

He said that the Rs. 12 crore sanctioned for the project will be utilised to asphalt and widen this stretch.

VICTORY FOR PEOPLE

When contacted, former MGP President and noted environmental activist Maj. Gen. (Retd) S.G. Vombatkere said that it is a victory of people. “Several people, organisations and voluntary groups joined hands to oppose this illogical project. They have succeeded in saving their own city and it is their victory,” he observed.

MGP meeting

Asked about the revised proposal to widen the road up to 200 metres, Vombatkere revealed that the authorities had sent them the revised proposal. “The MGP is meeting today evening and we are yet to take a call on the revised proposal. We will examine the pros and cons in detail and then take a decision,” he added.