Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah convened a meeting with citizen groups in Bengaluru to discuss the proposed Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) project, also known as the Sir M. Visvesvaraya Peripheral Ring Road. The meeting aimed to address concerns raised by citizens regarding the project’s impact on the environment, land acquisition, and potential displacement.
The PRR, a planned 73.5 km long road, intends to connect Tumkur Road to Hosur Road, bypassing Bengaluru city. The project is intended to ease traffic congestion within the city and improve connectivity to surrounding areas. However, it necessitates land acquisition across several villages in Bengaluru Urban and Rural districts.
Citizen groups voiced strong opposition to the current alignment, citing potential damage to lakes, agricultural land, and biodiversity hotspots. They highlighted the impact on over 70 lakes and the loss of green cover. Concerns were also raised about the fairness of compensation offered to landowners and the potential displacement of communities.
Siddaramaiah assured the groups that the government is open to considering alternative alignments to minimize environmental damage and displacement. He stated the government will re-examine the project’s Detailed Project Report (DPR) and explore options for a revised alignment. He emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and public participation in the decision-making process.
The CM directed officials to conduct a comprehensive environmental impact assessment and a social impact assessment, incorporating feedback from citizen groups. He also instructed officials to explore the possibility of reducing the road width in ecologically sensitive areas.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, and other officials were present at the meeting. Citizen groups presented detailed reports and alternative proposals, suggesting adjustments to the alignment to protect sensitive ecosystems and minimize displacement. The government has formed a committee to review the proposals and submit a report within a month. The project’s future hinges on finding a balance between infrastructure development and environmental protection, addressing the concerns of affected communities.
