NGT seeks more reports on girivalam project

Tribunal directs govt. to furnish details by July 25

Growing concern:Trees that were uprooted in the process of widening of the girivalam path in Tiruvannamalai.— File Photo

The National Green Tribunal in Chennai asked the government to file more reports on Girivalam Path Widening Project in Tiruvannamalai by Monday, July 25.

The order was pronounced when three cases filed regarding the project, including the one taken up by the NGT suo motu based on a report appeared in The Hindu on June 18, titled ‘Activists against widening girivalam path,’ came up for hearing on Wednesday.

V. Natarajan, advocate appearing for S. Krishnakumar, an Exnora member from Chennai and one of the petitioners against the project, told

The Hindu that the Collector’s report as demanded by the NGT was filed in the court and Justice P. Jothimani questioned the district administration for cutting trees in violation of the tribunal’s order pronounced on June 4.

“He also asked if they have prepared any environment impact assessment, pre project survey and study on the impact of the project on water bodies etc. He asked for alternative plans to avoid damage to the environment and status of encroachments along the path. They need to file these reports in the tribunal on next hearing that falls on Monday,” Mr. Natarajan said.