2 weeks Ago
Chennai: National Green Tribunal ( NGT ) has directed National Highways Authority of India ( NHAI ) to remove all debris dumped on the Cooum 's banks for the Chennai Port-Maduravoyal elevated corridor project by Sept 30. Failure to comply will result in strict action for violations, it said. A TOI report on Sept 5 highlighted that NHAI contractors were dumping construction waste and debris along several stretches of the river, from Koyambedu to Egmore, including Aminjikarai.
NGT had earlier taken suo moto cognizance of the issue and ordered NHAI to submit a report. In its response, NHAI claimed that temporary platforms had been constructed to facilitate work on pile caps and piers, with the promise that all debris and platforms would be removed once the project is completed. The agency, which operates under the Union road transport ministry, also assured the tribunal that all construction activities on the river would be suspended during rainy season to prevent any adverse impacts.
State water resources department (WRD), however, raised concerns that these temporary structures could obstruct water flow and increase flood risks, particularly in nearby residential areas. WRD warned that a heavy downpour before the monsoon could breach the river's bund, leading to disastrous flooding. In response, NGT ordered the immediate removal of the debris and demanded a compliance report by Sept 30.
In addition to these measures, NHAI is expected to provide an update on a study initiated with Anna University to assess how the new structures, including the piers, will impact the river's flow and environment..
