Environment Support Group ®

 

 

To:

MLAs/MLCs/MPs of Karnataka

 

July 16, 2002

 

RE: Shelve BMIC: GoK should Implement Expansion of SH-17 and Doubling of Railway

 

Dear Sir/Madam,

 

In light of the walkout from the Legislative Assembly yesterday by Opposition BJP MLA Shri. Suresh Kumar, over the issue of the Government’s continuing support for the Bangalore Mysore Infrastructure Corridor Project (BMICP), we wish to bring to your kind attention and for your consideration certain critical information about the project.  In particular, the project financing violates RBI circulars as a result of which, the GoK may be plagued by an “Enron” type roadway project.  Given that several districts of the state are neglected and in a backward condition, one must question why the Bangalore-Mysore corridor for which there are other viable transport and development options, is receiving so much investment.  This amounts to nothing less than misuse of public funds that could be put to better use in backward areas of Karnataka.

 

Please find enclosed a recent Press Release issued by Environment Support Group (ESG) in which we articulated the financial, environmental and social aspects of BMICP as compared to alternative transport options for the Bangalore-Mysore corridor.  For instance, the Government of Karnataka, as reported in the press within the last 2 weeks, is opting for expansion of the existing road and doubling of the railway line.  Given this, there is really no need for the BMICP.  Details of our analysis and recommendations may be found in the attached press release.

 

As you may be aware, ESG has been analysing this project for sometime now, from financial, environmental, and social angles.  ESG is a non-profit public interest organisation that is concerned with issues of environmental, social and economic justice.  Apart from legal research, analysis, and training we are also involved in community development, citywide development, and environmental education programs.

 

We hope that you will give serious consideration to the information and suggestions provided in order to protect the wider public interest.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Leo F. Saldanha            Nagini Prasad                         Rajmohan Pillai

Coordinator – ESG      Campaigns Coordinator            Coordinator (Infrastructure Finance Research)