Protests mar road widening work

Protests mar road widening work

Express News ServiceFirst Published : 10 May 2010 06:32:16 AM ISTLast Updated : 10 May 2010 08:31:37 AM IST
BANGALORE: Nearly 200 people formed a human chain on Sunday to protest the proposed six-lane (30 metres) road-widening project undertaken by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) from Cauvery Junction to CNR Rao Circle.
The protest was organised by Sankey Park Walkers’ Association, Sadashivanagar Residents’ Welfare Association, Lower Palace Orchards Residents’ Welfare Association, Malleswaram Swabhimana Initiative, Hasiru- Usiru, Working Professionals of Sadashivanagar and Gayathri Devi Park Residents’ Welfare Association, who had come under the common banner of ‘Save Sankey Road and Park Forum’.
Accusing the BBMP of undertaking an unscientificallyplanned corridor, Dr Rajan, President of Sankey Park Walkers’ Association said: “The road widening project threatens to destroy around 100-150 fully grown trees lining the stretch, including massive rain trees at the entrance of Sankey park.” “We are not against development but want the BBMP to have a constructive dialogue before undertaking any work,” he added.
“When there is already an alternative corridor from CV Raman Road and Bellary Road, I don’t know why they want to widen this road,’’ he said.
Vijayakumar B R, Secretary, Sankey Park Walkers Association said, “This area is a residential area and I don’t understand the logic behind having a six-lane highway.” He said though the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) 2005, talks of road-widening works, the BBMP should have consulted the locals before going ahead with the plan.
Meanwhile, protestors also claimed that the local MLA declined support saying that the road-widening was done in the larger interest of the people and all the area corporators had also failed to turn up for the event.
“We have decided to form an independent panel to do a feasibility study of the proposed project,” said Ranjan, adding that the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) and Center for Infrastructure, Sustainable Transport and Urban Planning, IISC were also contacted for the same.
Ranjan further said that the members had decided to send a petition to the authorities.
Litigation is also an option open to us, he said.