Jan Jagrithi Samiti vs Union of India & Others.

The appeal (10 of 2012) was filed challenging the Forest Clearance granted to Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd. for diversion of 172.53 ha of forest land for construction of 400 KV Double Circuit Transmission lines from generation station of Udupi Power Corporation at Yellur village of Udupi District, to the receiving stations situated at Shantigram (Hassan). The National Green Tribunal directed MoEF to notify detailed fresh guidelines for laying transmission line through forest area and incorporate necessary changes to mitigate the difficulties which arise during granting forest clearance.The Tribunal observed that the guidelines for laying transmission lines through forest areas formed by the MoEF had become obsolete by afflux of time and though fresh guidelines have been formulated, the same have not been notified. Keeping this in view, the Tribunal directed the incorporation of necessary changes to mitigate the difficulties which arise during the granting of forest clearance, as expeditiously as possible preferably within a period of two months from the date of communication of this order. The Tribunal directed the project proponent not to cut trees nor destroy forest in 8.3 km stretch of Vallur Reserve Forest. It further stated:.....certain sections of the line cross through areas of rich wild life and biodiversity and are of greater ecological value. Out of the said lands, a portion measuring about 8.3 km. long, as would be evident from the map produced before us, between the proposed tower locations AP 100 to AP 107 passes through Vallur Reserve forest. The said section of line crosses through high biodiversity ever green forests and shola – grass lands, which harbours a variety of endangered wild life. Drawing overhead lines of the proposed 400 KVA transmission line over the said section may cause significant adverse impacts not only on wild life and biodiversity but also would cause restrictions in habitat connectivity and corridor values of the forest.