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[email protected] Website: http://www.bngenvtrust.org/ Blog: https://envtrust.blogspot.com/ A. N. Yellappa Reddy, Chairman DATE:21/03/2020 REF: BET RESPONSE TO GOVERNMENT’S CLEARANCE OF HUBBALLI ANKOLA RAILWAY LINE To, The Citizens State of Karnataka Sub: Irrational, irremediable & irrepairable decisions by the Government in these times of Covid 19 and Climate Crisis Dear Sir/Madam, In today’s print media, I have seen that the Government Of Karnataka has hastily cleared Hubballi – Ankola railway project as if it is very essential for the State of Karnataka! Very clearly, this is to enable better access to port of Karwar via this route from Ballari! I served in Uttara Kannada (UK) district as a Conservator of Forests for 5 long years and am fully aware how sensitive these forests are and how rich the eco system is and the importance of supplying quality drinking water to the entire region. I have been witness to how the biodiversity is affected by the fragmentation of Uttara Kannada due to Hydroelectric projects and how severely Kali river has been abused by constructing Kadara – Kodasalli Dams to cater to the nuclear power plants and several other industries like plywood and paper factories. With this Kali- nadi’s catchment was completely distorted, added to that vast areas were deforested for rehabilitation of displaced persons and various other so called developmental activities. The decision taken by the Chief Minister and the bureaucrats appears to be based on IISc scientists recommendation ignoring all other recommendations including National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).