The Madras High Court has issued an order setting aside the state government's order blocking the Chennai Port-Maduravoyal Elevated Corridor project and directing the Tamil Nadu government and other parties to extend full co-operation for continuance of the project.
An order issued by Justice N Paul Vasanthakumar and P Devadass said, "we set aside the impugned orders dated 28.1.2013 and 29.3.2012 passed by the chief engineer, PWD, government of Tamilnadu, with a direction to the Government of Tamilnadu and all the contesting respondents to extend full co-operation for continuance of the project, which has already been started after getting CRZ clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests."
Besides, the court also recorded the undertaking given by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to maintain free flow of sewerage/rain water in Cooum river at the maximum level of 25,000 cusecs at all times. At the time of construction also NHAI and the concessioner are directed to see that there would be no obstruction and free flow of water in Cooum river and the debries/building materials are to be removed/stored in such a manner, without obstructing the free flow of water, it said.
The project is expected to increase the transport from Chennai Port, and this would in turn help in easy evacuation of cargo from the port.
Additional Solicitor General P Wislon, who appeared for the NHAI, said the obstruction or stop work notice was issued by the PWD by raising contention that the alignment has been changed, which will obstruct the free flow of water in Cooum river, has no basis. He requested the court may set aside the orders with further direction to the state government and relevant agencies to co-operate for the completion of the entire project for the benefit of the public.
