The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked officials to keep a close watch on the Cooum River during the construction of the elevated corridor from Chennai Port to Maduravoyal. The tribunal gave this order to make sure that no illegal dumping of waste or construction materials happens in or near the river.
This decision came after reports claimed that some parts of the Cooum River were being used without proper permission. These activities were believed to be linked to the ongoing highway project handled by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The reports raised concerns about possible damage to the river environment.
A special team led by Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert Prashant Gargava examined the issue. After studying the situation, they found that most of the activities mentioned in the reports were related to the official infrastructure work being carried out by NHAI.
However, the NGT made it very clear that even during construction, strict environmental rules must be followed. Officials have been instructed to ensure that no extra debris, waste, or materials are dumped into the river. They have also been told to regularly inspect the area and take immediate action if any violations are found.
The tribunal stressed that rivers like the Cooum are already facing pollution problems, and such activities could make the situation worse. Protecting the river during large construction projects is very important to avoid long-term environmental damage.
With this order, the NGT aims to balance development and environmental protection. While infrastructure projects are necessary for the city’s growth, they should not harm natural resources. Authorities are now expected to follow these instructions carefully and make sure the project is completed without affecting the river’s health.