MP Tejasvi Surya argues against Tunnel Road Project in Karnataka High Court

Bengaluru, October 25:

Member of Parliament Tejasvi Surya, who is also an advocate by profession, appeared before the Karnataka High Court on Saturday in connection with the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by actor Prakash Belawadi, challenging the proposed Tunnel Road project.

The PIL raises key concerns including the absence of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), lack of consultation with the Bengaluru Metropolitan Land Transport Authority (BMLTA), and issues in the Detailed Project Report (DPR)—particularly the proposed tunnel alignment that runs beneath the historic Lalbagh rock.

Appearing before Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Poonacha, Surya argued that the project could potentially affect about 6.5 acres of Lalbagh land. He pointed out that the Lalbagh rock, estimated to be 3,000 million years old and recognised as a National Geological Monument, faces a serious threat due to the tunnel’s alignment beneath it.

The Bench assured that the matter would be examined in detail and directed the Additional Government Advocate (AGA) representing the State to provide details regarding the proposal for tree felling linked to the project.

The Hon’ble Court has also sought the opinion of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) regarding the environmental impact assessment.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28.