Violating Own Laws, Govt Set To Allow 12 New Western Ghat Projects https://www.article-14.com/post/violating-own-laws-govt-set-to-allow-12-new-western-ghat-projects NIHAR GOKHALE
24 Sep 2020
Between 2016 to 2018, the environment ministry processed 12 projects categorised as ‘linear’. Nine were to be built by central government bodies: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) proposed five, and the Indian Railways, four. These are in the final stages of clearance at the ministry.
Among the earliest proposals was one by the Indian Railways to lay an additional track through the ghats connecting Kulem in Goa to Castle Rock in Karnataka. Another is a 168-km rail line to connect the western towns of Hubli and Ankola.
Under the EIA Notification, 2006, upgradation of an existing highway requires an environment clearance if work is to be undertaken on more than 100 km of road length. Under the EIA Notification, 2006, upgradation of an existing highway requires an environment clearance if work is to be undertaken on more than 100 km of road length.
The Goa-Belagavi highway widening was proposed for a 150-km stretch. So, the NHAI split the project into four parts.