Girivalam path widening will affect ecology: Report

Krishna Kumar, State President Exnora and one of the petitioners, said the road extension plan on the ‘Girivalam’ path in Tiruvannamalai will affect the local flora and fauna. 

“The Sonagiri Forest will be affected by the expansion and rare species will be affected, if we cut the trees. There are many rare species here, including birds like Russian Eagles, Coppersmith Barbet, Orange Headed Thrush and many others. There are rare snakes and civet cats, who will lose their habitat,” he said. 

Another petitioner, Venkatesh Santhana submitted a detailed report, highlighting the danger to the flora and fauna, while also pointing out the hazards of turning the path into a highway. 

Summing up, Krishna explained, “Turning the Girivalam path into a highway will lead to many accidents, as this route is taken by devotees, who walk. Instead of building a highway on the path, the government can complete the outer ring road, where 80% of the traffic can be diverted. Girivalam is an ancient path taken by sages of yore, which features in many padhams (compositions)”. 

The report submitted by the Committee, which included Justice JAK Sampath Kumar, retired Judge, Madras HC recommended that, “The Highways department may be permitted to cut and remove the six dead avenue trees standing on either side of the road margin along the Girivalam path in stretch 2, 3 and 4, in view of the safety hazard that such dead trees pose to the public. This may be done after a joint inspection of such trees by the Divisional Engineer, Highways department, Tiruvannamalai division, Revenue Divisional Officer, Tiruvannamalai and District Forest Officer, Tiruvannamalai South Division.” 

The report also mentioned that, “As for the water bodies along with girivalam path, the storm water drainage flow arising from the culverts will be suitably conveyed to the existing kulams, ponds and theerthams abutting the Girivalam path, which originally serve as their outlet point. For achieving this objective, the Highways Department shall undertake maintenance of the odais/channels leading to the receiving water bodies lying within 20 m on either side of the road as part of the project cost.” 

Krishna also pointed out that the storm drainage networks cannot be let into the channels. “In Stretch 3, the Highways Department had constructed a trench, with no outlet channel, near the Manikavasagar temple wall. This trench has sewage water mixing into the drain. This, if connected to the water body, will spoil the ecology. This matter will be taken up for hearing on March 28,” he said.