SC bins NHAI plea on widening of NH-4A in Belagavi

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a petition filed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) challenging the High Court of Karnataka’s stay order restraining the widening of NH-4A in Belagavi linking with the neighbouring Goa.

The 82-km stretch between Belagavi and Goa passes through the Kali Tiger Reserve in Dandeli. Challenging the road widening work inside a protected area, noted environmentalist Suresh Heblikar and Joseph Hoover, Trustee of the Bengaluru-based United Conservation Movement, had filed a public interest litigation before the High Court of Karnataka.

The high court had ordered a stay over the felling of trees for the project. Challenging the HC order, NHAI had approached the Supreme Court.