CHENNAI: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will axe around 5,000 fully grown trees and 637 mangroves for the proposed East Coast Road (ECR) widening between Mamallapuram and Marakkanam.
The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of Union Environment Ministry has recommended for Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance.
The 62-km stretch of national highway would be turned into four/six/eight-lane and would be executed in two parts under Central government’s flagship Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-1 (feeder routes).
The widening of 31km-stretch between Mamallapuram and Mugaiyur would raze about 3,319 trees and the alignment will pass through Palar river near Iiayanarkuppam, a few creeks, estuaries, lakes and minor streams.
