10-Point guide to Bengaluru steel bridge, stalled for now

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Oct 28, 2016:  A controversial steel bridge in Bengaluru which had angered many residents has been stopped for now by the country’s top green court.

   
The nearly 7 km-long  flyover planned by the government will cost Rs. 1,800 crore and  will result in the removal of 800 trees along its route -a cost that residents say they’re not prepared to accept.
   
People against the project also allege lack of transparency and demand a public consultation on the issue. The state government says public feedback was sought and most emails that came in supported the project.
   
The government says the six-lane steel bridge is essential for removing the notorious traffic jams that leave the area around the airport gridlocked.
   
Several huge multinationals and offices are located near the airport. The Congress government says that it promised the bridge ahead of winning the state in 2013 and will not drop its plans.
   
The government also says it will ensure 60,000 saplings are planted elsewhere in the city to compensate for the trees being removed.
   
Today, the National Green Tribunal, the country’s highest environmental court, has ordered the suspension of all plans for now.
   
The court says over the next month, the impact of the construction on the environment will be detailed by experts for its review. Residents have been holding large demonstrations against the bridge. The debate is  also raging online with #steel bridge beku  (we want the steel bridge) taking on #steel bridge beda  (we don’t want the project).
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We will consider all concerns raised by people of my Bengaluru city. Already their objections have been considered," said Chief Minister Siddaramiah of the Congress recently.
   
Opposition leaders like, Sadananda Gowda, who is from the BJP, says the government has failed to communicate with the people about the project or take elected representatives into confidence
   
The government’s opponents also say the Congress is pushing through the project to siphon off money ahead of the 2018 state elections - a charge the Congress denies.