Bengaluru High Court Disposes of PIL Challenging Metro Orange Line Realignment
The Karnataka High Court in Bengaluru has disposed of a public interest litigation (PIL) that contested the alteration in the alignment of the Metro Orange Line along Outer Ring Road. A division bench, comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice CM Poonacha, delivered the order, emphasizing that it is not appropriate for the court to intervene in route determinations for Metro lines.
Court's Rationale and Environmental Directive
In its ruling, the bench observed, "We do not consider it apposite to entertain a public interest litigation for examining the route of a Metro line. It is for the concerned authorities to determine the same. The determination of the route of a Metro line would require consideration of various factors, including the number of commuters it would serve." However, acknowledging the petitioner's submission of an environmental impact report, the court directed the respondents to consider this report in their decision-making process.
Petitioner's Concerns and Arguments
The PIL was filed by the Nagarabhavi Property Owners and Business Establishments Welfare Association. The association sought a directive for authorities to adhere to the original plan of constructing the Metro rail on Outer Ring Road from Dwaraka Nagar station to Chowdeshwari Nagar station. Instead, the current plan deviates from Nagarabhavi Circle to Summanhalli Cross via Vinayaka Layout, Papireddypalya, and BDA Complex, Nagarbhavi.
According to the petitioner, this change in alignment has led to significant environmental and structural damage, including:
- The cutting of more than 600 trees.
- The demolition of approximately 600 residential and commercial buildings.
The petitioner contended that maintaining the Metro line along the Outer Ring Road would avoid such extensive environmental harm and sought the cancellation of the alternate route plan.
Broader Implications and Context
This case highlights the ongoing tensions between urban development projects and environmental conservation in rapidly growing cities like Bengaluru. The High Court's decision underscores the judicial deference to administrative authorities in infrastructure planning, while also recognizing the importance of environmental considerations. The directive to review the environmental impact report may influence future Metro projects, ensuring a balance between progress and sustainability.
As Bengaluru continues to expand its public transportation network to alleviate traffic congestion, such legal challenges are likely to arise, testing the frameworks for public consultation and ecological accountability in urban planning.
