DRDO Drone Crash in Challakere highlights risks latent to the “science city” in Chitradurga, Karnataka

Amrit Mahal Kaval Hitarakshana Haagu Horata Samithi (Amrit Mahal Kaval Protection and Struggle Committee), Challakere Taluk, Chitradurga District, Karnataka has issued a press release pointing out that the recent DRDO crash brings to light once more the high risk latent to the controversial 'science city' project implemented with little or no regard for applicable norms and standards, and the law, in this ecologically fragile and densely populated region. Multiple high risk projects are being pushed through in Challakere Taluk of Chitradurga district with careless disregard to specific directions of the Hon'ble National Green Tribunal (Chennai Bench) which in its 27th August 2014 order directed agencies of Government of India and State of Karnataka, and various other project proponents, to comply with the law and safeguard public interest. The Tribunal also specifically directed that the projects can proceed if and only if they conformed with applicable standards and if clearances were issued on the basis of independently “verifiable evidence”.