Bengaluru: The state Wildlife Board, headed by Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, has given the green signal to the controversial Hubballi-Ankola railway line project.
This railway project is estimated to cost a whopping Rs 2,600 crores.
During the 13th meeting of the board, held on March 9, permission for the project was declined citing ecological concerns. The 14th meeting was convened in a hurry to get permission for this project in which non-members like industries minister Jagadish Shettar, labour minister Shivaram Hebbar, former minister R V Deshpande and others participated, ensuring that the board will approve the project.
Forest minister Anand Singh was absent for the meeting to ensure that he will not come under criticism.
According to sources, Shettar presented the IISc’s report to pressurise the CM to get the project approved.
