Mangaluru: The Aranya, Parisara Mathu Havamana Badalavane Sangha (R) has raised serious objections to the 400 kV Padubidri–Kasargod transmission line (Phase 2), alleging that the project is moving forward without securing mandatory environmental and biodiversity clearances.
According to the association, farmers are facing harassment, large-scale deforestation is underway, and several guidelines have been ignored in the process of erecting towers. The organization, which has already been engaged in legal battles on environmental and climate change matters, emphasized that this project is yet another violation of existing laws and policies.
The project, undertaken by Udupi Kasargod Transmission Limited, proposes to build a 115 km-long 400 kV transmission line from Padubidri in Udupi to Kasargod in Kerala. However, the company has received only preliminary approval (Phase 1) from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, New Delhi. Full environmental clearance is still pending.
Despite this, tower erection work has reportedly begun, sparking protests and concerns about the impact on forests, farmland, and local biodiversity. The association stressed that pushing ahead without clearance is a clear violation of environmental law.
On January 24, 2025, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued a notice to the Mangalore Sub-Forest Division regarding the matter, highlighting the seriousness of the issue. Further hearings are scheduled in March 2025, where accountability and compliance will be reviewed.
The Sangha has vowed to continue its fight to protect farmers’ rights, safeguard forests, and uphold climate justice in coastal Karnataka.