Ministry of Environment issues ToR for controversial Chennai-Salem Greefield expressway

Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has issued Terms of Reference (ToR) for a detailed environment impact assessment (EIA) study for the controversial 277-km lonmg Chennai-Salem Greenfield Express Highway project, the

The ministry has listed out 54 components, which are to be studied and incorporated into the EIA report.

The Environment Ministry has asked the project proponent, NHAI, to submit a detailed alignment plan, with details such as nature of terrain (plain, rolling, hilly), land use pattern, habitation, cropping pattern, forest area, environmentally sensitive places, mangroves, notified industrial areas falling in the alignment by employing remote sensing techniques. Also, the plan must have a description of various alternatives considered and procedures and criteria adopted for selection of the final route.

If the proposed route is passing through any hilly area, the plan must examine and submit the stability of slopes. Landslide and rock fall protection measures should be indicated. Details of the trees to be cut, including species and whether it involves any protected or endangered species, should be submitted. Measures taken to reduce number of the trees to be removed should be explained in detail. Details of compensatory plantation must be given.

Possibilities of relocating the existing trees should be explored. Necessary green belt shall be provided on both sides with proper central verge and cost provision should be made for regular maintenance, the ToR document said. NHAI was also asked to submit details of measures taken during constructions of bridges across river/canal/drains.

Meanwhile the project is facing severe protest from farmers and other social activists.