Railway line has benefits, say experts

HUBLI: A team of experts led by Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, scientist Dr TV Ramachandra, which is assessing impact of laying Hubli-Ankola railway line in  the Western Ghats has opined that the project can be realised only with a better forest management strategy addressing the environmental concerns raised by the Ministry of Environment and Forests.The team, which studied all aspects of the project, has come to a conclusion that the railway line would not pose much danger to the bio-diversity if the issue of afforestation is tackled sensibly. A proper action plan could thicken the forest area in the region despite implementation of the rail project, it has asserted.The team has completed study on environmental concerns and ready with 80 per cent of its report. Now, it is studying economic viability of the project and having consultation with South Western Railway officials even on some technical aspects.The team finds this study much more important in the wake of the recent restrictions put on mining in western districts of the Karnataka by the SC.Dr Ramachandra said it was found that carbon emission from railways was quite less due to movement of trucks to carry freight.