Mysore: In a huge victory to environmentalists and conservationists, the Karnataka High Court yesterday asked the Indian Railways and the Ministry of Railways to seek environment-related clearances before commissioning two rail projects in Kodagu — Mysuru-Kushalnagar line and the Thalassery-Mysuru Railway Line. The High Court Bench, led by Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka, gave these directions as it was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Col. (retd.) C.P. Muthanna, former President of the Coorg Wildlife Society and others.
Disposing of the case, the High Court said that the Railways cannot proceed with the projects since forest and wildlife clearances have not been obtained. Moreover, the Indian Railways have been asked to notify the petitioner when they apply for clearances.
