Karnataka High Court Demands Scientific Proof of Hebbal Tunnel Safety for Local Lake
Judges issued a stern warning to the state government over the 1,130 crore rupee tunnel project near Hebbal Lake. The court may stay construction if officials fail to prove the development won't damage the local water system.
Key takeaways
- The Karnataka High Court may stay the Hebbal tunnel project if the state fails to submit an impact study by August 24.
- Petitioners allege the 1,130 crore rupee project violates lake buffer zone laws and lacks proper hydrological assessments.
- The 2025 amendment to the Karnataka Tank Conservation Act is being challenged for reducing environmental protections near water bodies.
The Legal Challenge
A Division Bench of the Karnataka High Court has demanded an official response from the state government regarding the environmental risks of a proposed 2.2 km twin tunnel road. The project, estimated to cost ₹1,130 crore, aims to connect Hebbal junction with the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries University (KVAFSU). Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice K.S. Hemalekha ordered the government and the contractor, M/s Rithwik Projects Pvt. Ltd., to address allegations that the project violates environmental safeguards.
Why It Matters
The case highlights a growing conflict between urban infrastructure expansion and ecological preservation. Petitioners argue the project sits just 8 to 12 meters from the Hebbal lake boundary, a proximity they claim violates buffer zone regulations. Furthermore, the litigation challenges the validity of the Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (Amendment) Act, 2025, which reduced lake buffer zones to as little as zero meters for certain water bodies.
Key Facts
- The project involves a three-lane, short transitory twin tunnel spanning 2.2 kilometers.
- The petitioners include technocrat Guruprasad R.K., youth leader Rishvanjas Raghavan, and Elizabeth Soumya of the Hebbal Nature Society.
- Court officials have ordered an affidavit to clarify if any hydrological or inflow/outflow studies were conducted before approval.
- The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the tunnel acknowledges the area's hydrological sensitivity and the necessity for watertight structures.
- Legal challenges have also been leveled against Rule 24 of the BMLTA Rules, 2026, alleging it attempts to retroactively validate projects started without prior authority approval.
What Happens Next
The state government must file its written response and supporting affidavits before the next scheduled hearing on August 24. Failure to provide sufficient evidence regarding the project's impact on Hebbal lake may result in a formal stay on construction. Petitioners are currently seeking a full suspension of work until independent panels can assess flood risks, groundwater recharge, and overall mobility impact.
Source: The Hindu — National
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