The Forest Department and National Highway Authority of India have locked horns on the Belgaum – Goa road, The NHAI had earlier sent a proposal to have a 45 meters width road but due to environment issues it sent another proposal with 30 meters width. The present road width across Belgaum to Goa border varies from 9 meters to 17 meters, while the Forest Department has only given approval for 15 meters. NHAI officials say that on several stretches the road width is already more than 15 meters so how are they giving us approval for 15 meters. The NHAI also intends to have a four way lane between Belgaum to Khanapur, and in forest areas it is demanding 30 meters road while the forest Department is not agreeing and feels alot of trees will be cut and it will also effect wildlife movement patterns, with already many wildlife accidents on National Highways crossing forests and national parks its a matter of concern for the forest Department as the the road passes by the rich forests of Western ghats and is home to many endangered species, The road passes through the Dandeli Tiger reserve which has Bhimgad wildlife scantuary, Dandeli wildlife Scantuary, Anshi National Park & bhagwan Mahaveer wildlife Scantuary, Tigers, Elephants, bisons, Deer, Snakes, Leopards, Wild Dogs, Bears, foxes and other wildlife keep crossing this road, already due to mining logistics the wildlife movement is affected in this region.
NHAI estimates tree felling around 21000 in Belgaum division and another 21000 in Haliyal Division, they would also pay the cost of planting 2 trees for every 1 tree is cut and a mutually accepted price for the forest land that would be lost. NHAI officials also said that they would do avenue plantations i.e road side plantation.
The forest Department feels that it would affect wildlife movement between three scantuaries and in the tiger reserve area, while NHAI says that if Forest Dept. can identify wildlife movement areas and paths they would build overpasses and bridges for easier movement of animals. forest officials were not available to comment on this issue.
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