| Project Detail : | A public interest litigation petition was filed before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court seeking realignment of a proposed National Highway expansion of NH 209 from Dindigul to Coimbatore.
The petitioner K.Lakshmana Perumal of Dindigul said that the National Highway 209 connected major cities in the State such as Chennai, Villupuram, Perambalur, Tiruchi, Dindigul, Batlagundu and Coimbatore.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) proposes to expand the Dindigul-Coimbatore-Hasanur stretch.
The State Highways Department had initially proposed a two lane road but with NHAI taking over the project, it is proposed to be a four-lane road.
Six bypasses, six rail over bridges and two major bridges would be part of the Rs. 1500 crore project, said the petitioner.
However, this expansion project could mean taking over of agricultural lands from at least 10 villages along the stretch resulting in a huge loss to villagers. At least 1500 trees need to be cut down for the project causing irreparable loss, complained the petitioner.
Instead an alternative alignment of the expansion from Ramaiyanpatti to Pudhuchathiram-Kannivadi would result in less damage and benefit to villagers. Also the block platforms laid by the government for pilgrims need not be removed. The realignment would save lands of educational institutions along the stretch, the petitioner said.
The NH 209 road from Kamalapuram to Semmadapatti is proposed to be acquired without affecting the villagers. Similarly, this should be carried out from Ramaiyanpatti to Pudhuchathiram-Kannivadi , the petitioner contended.
A Division Bench of C.T.Selvam and A.M.Basheer Ahamed, hearing the plea, directed notice to NHAI and adjourned the case by a week for further hearing. |
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