HC seeks DPR for Besant Nagar-Foreshore Estate elevated link road from Chennai Corporation

A division bench comprising Justice Vineeth Kothari and Justice R Suresh Kumar before whom the plea came up said, “Impleading petitions filed by fishermen at this stage is premature and let the detailed project be produced before this court.”

Concerning the Foot Over Bridge on Loop Road to connect the Seaside Road and Market Yard projects, Corporation prayed for four weeks to obtain a detailed project report from IIT Madras.

Earlier, the Corporation submitted its pre-feasibility report stating that elevated link road project between Foreshore Estate and Besant Nagar would add to the new landmarks of the city. “All notable cities around the world are meeting developments along with its stride and human needs and aesthetics going hand-in-hand with environmental sensitivities,” read the report.

“Adhering to the Coastal Regulation Norms and the ecological sensitivity of the region, the proposed project shall earmark a positive social initiative for the entire city. The bridge would encourage pedestrian and cyclist movement,” the Corporation submitted.

Noting that turtle hatching areas along the project are a beauty to watch, the report said that viewing decks could be provided along the bridge. “Development has to be highly ecologically driven with least intrusion to the environment. However, no development can come with no impact or no disturbance, as we are a highly populated country,” the report said.

For this proposed project, fishermen settlements at Srinivasapuram where 1,000 families live and Ururkuppam where 200 families should be rehabilitated and resettled without affecting their livelihood. The report observed that the objective of the project was to initiate a positive growth and change the existing fabric of their lives.

Recording the submissions, the division bench adjourned the case to April 16. Regarding the proposed fish market which has 900 carts on Marina Beach, additional advocate general SR Rajagopal submitted that 1,498 persons who are involved in street vending hold permanent and temporary identity cards and they would compete for 540 carts (Category A). Remaining 562 applicants who were not enumerated in the list drawn by the civic body would compete for 360 carts which is category B. For this purpose, the bench listed the matter for hearing on March 24.