Plea to restrain authorities from carrying out construction activities as part of proposed riverfront development project
The Madras High Court is reviewing a public interest litigation challenging a riverfront development project in Tirunelveli. The petitioner argues that the project lacks proper environmental impact assessments and could negatively alter the Tamirabharani river's ecology and flood management.
Why it matters
It highlights the ongoing tension between urban infrastructure development and environmental conservation in India's river systems.
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has sought response from the authorities to a public interest litigation petition seeking a direction to restrain the authorities from carrying out any kind of construction activities in Tamirabharani river.
A Division Bench of Justices G.R. Swaminathan and B. Pugalendhi was hearing the petition filed by S. Kamaraj alias Muthalakurichi Kamaraj of Thoothukudi district. The petitioner said Tirunelveli Corporation has invited tenders for a riverfront development project estimated at a cost of Rs.59.05 crore.
He said the proposed project which extends to a 7 km stretch includes public spaces such as parks, lawns, plazas, viewing decks, bicycle bridges, water walkways, and commercial kiosks. Additionally, the project includes a 12 km channelisation of drains, de-silting, dredging, stone pitching of banks, and other conservation measures.
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