The inquiry report on the Honnavar port project, released on Tuesday, urged the state government to immediately cancel the environmental clearance granted to the Honnavar port project.
The report prepared by the All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), FridaysForFuture-Karnataka (FFF-K) and the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) builds on findings made in 2024.
In its recommendation to the government, it calls for an independent and participatory environmental and social impact assessment that takes full account of the interests of the local community.
He further stated that all ongoing construction and road works associated with the project must be halted until legal and procedural requirements are met.
“The government must also conduct a formal survey of the residential and working land in Tonka 1 and Tonka 2 fishing villages and take steps to recognize and formalize the land and housing rights of residents who have lived there for decades,” the report said.
The report recommends that the government unconditionally drop all criminal cases against residents and protesters in connection with demonstrations against roads and ports.
It also recommended the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change to strengthen regulatory oversight of the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority and the State Coastal Zone Management Authority and develop review and accountability mechanisms in cases where approvals are granted despite statutory violations.
It added that the construction of breakwaters will lead to gradual erosion of the coast itself. “The Sharavathi estuary is home to a variety of fish, including prized estuarine species, and the beach serves as a nesting ground for the Olive Ridley turtle, an endangered and protected species under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972,” it said.
The news was released by environmental activist Medha Patkar, who also met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and urged him to call off the project. “The first and most important question is whether this port project is being enforced in accordance with all kinds of laws, whether it’s land laws or environmental laws, the answer is no,” she said.
She added that the permit for the project was not obtained on the basis of facts, but on false assessments.
“The Honnavar port project has been planned since 2010 and it is said to have received various kinds of clearances which include environmental clearances, clearances under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification. All these clearances are based on facts but on false commitments and assessments,” she added.
Published – 04 Nov 2025 21:27 IST
