According to a report by Prajavani, residents and other interested groups from Shishila and Shibaje in Belthangady taluk recently met to press for construction of the road. The proposed route is reported to pass through an environmentally sensitive Western Ghats area, although the report did not establish that the project has received final government approval.
Shishila said the project could affect thousands of microorganisms and rare primate species. He also estimated that nearly 25,000 trees could be affected if construction proceeds. The figures and associated environmental risks were presented as part of his opposition to the proposal.
He further raised concerns that excavation and other construction activity could increase the possibility of landslides in the Shishila Ghat area. His objection referred to a natural disaster in Kodagu eight years ago and recurring landslides in the Sampaje and Charmadi regions, arguing that development in another vulnerable Western Ghats zone requires careful assessment.
The report provided no details of an approved alignment, project cost, construction schedule or environmental clearance. Shishila also referred to concerns associated with the assessments of ecologist Madhav Gadgil and former space commission chairman K. Kasturirangan regarding development in the Western Ghats. He urged the local legislator and Member of Parliament to withdraw the proposal, while any further decision would require authorities to clarify the route, project status, environmental assessment and safeguards.