CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has rejected a writ plea from the George Town Building Owners Welfare Association seeking to restrain the government and the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) from constructing the underground metro rail line from Washermenpet to Mannadi via Seven Wells, GT and Prakasam Road in Corridor-I.The consequential prayer of the petitioner, which was also rejected, was to direct the authorities to construct the rail line via Old Jail Road and Prakasam Road, as per the original alignment. The petitioner contended that if the construction work was allowed as per the changed alignment, their buildings situated in congested areas, which were already dilapidated, would collapse. Further, the closure of the borewells would deprive them of their right to life.In contrast, the Old Jail Road route would entail much less damage as the area was poorly populated and was mainly open lands, the petitioner said. Further, no opportunity of hearing was provided.Dismissing the writ petition, Justice Vinod K Sharma observed that apprehensions of the petitioner that the construction was likely to pose grave danger to their life and building were misconceived. The CMRL had categorically stated that the construction was being raised in a safe manner by protecting the life and liberty of the persons concerned.The interest of the people had been safeguarded by affording alternative borewells or compensation. The petitioner, therefore, could not have any grievance. Necessary opportunity of hearing and notices had also been issued to the people, the judge pointed out.
Comments
0 comment