BHADRA WILDLIFE TRUST Vs. STATE GOVERNMENT OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard learned Senior Counsel appearing for the petitioner, the learned Additional Government Advocate for the first and third respondents and the learned counsel appearing for the fourth respondent.

(2.) This writ petition, which in the nature of a Public Interest Litigation, concerns Mullayanagiri hill (for short, 'the said hill'), which is stated to be the highest mountain peak in the State of Karnataka. It is stated that apart from the fact that rare species of flora and fauna are available on the hills, it falls within the Eco-Sensitive Zone of Bhadra Tiger reserve. A proposal was submitted by the third respondent for the declaration of the said hill as a 'Conservation Reserve'. It is pointed out that the fourth respondent issued a notification dated 28th July 2016, declaring the area of 740.76 sq.kms., surrounding Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, as Eco-Sensitive Zone.

(3.) This writ petition was basically filed pointing out that the work of widening of the roads was commenced by the first respondent in the Eco-Sensitive Zone without conducting Environment Impact Assessment and without taking any measures. There are affidavits filed on the record to that effect and photographs have been placed on record showing the work in progress.