Phalguni mud dumping: HC orders MSEZL to restrain from work

Mangalore, June 15: The High Court of Karnataka has, in its final order on the PIL filed by the residents of Melakoppala, Athrebailu and Kulur areas along with the Citizens' Forum for Mangalore Development against the mud dumping by MSEZL along the Phalguni River for its road cum pipeline corridor project, directed the company to refrain from carrying out any work not comprehended or permitted by clearances.

The High Court bench comprising of Justice Vikramajit Sen and Justice B.V.Nagarathna has in the order also stated that “any interference or disturbance or impediment in the free flow of the river or any work carried out on the river banks, without due clearance, is illegal”.

The Court has directed the office of the Regional Director (Environment), Department of Forest, Environment and Ecology, Mangalore, to ensure that no work is permitted which is not duly envisaged and cleared by the concerned authorities.

However, activist Vidya Dinker of Citizens' Forum for Mangalore Development has alleged that the local CRZ authorities who are aware of the High Court order, have done nothing to remove the mud and stones that are disturbing & impeding the free flow of the river and hence the villagers continue to be concerned about the mud that is still lying along the River.

The villagers continue to remain worried as the mud has still not been removed